Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande Share Excitement for Wicked Movie Adaptation

In quintessential Elphaba style, Cynthia Erivo is positively beaming at the prospect of embarking on her enchanting Wicked journey alongside none other than Ariana Grande as Glinda, a partnership that promises to dazzle audiences.

Erivo expressed that it was “no surprise whatsoever” to see Ariana Grande step into the role of Glinda in the highly anticipated movie adaptation of the iconic Broadway musical. Relieved and excited, she remarked that soaring high while “defying gravity” alongside such a talented artist was a dream come true.

“Thank goodness,” Erivo shared with The New York Times during a recent joint interview with Grande. “Because it was not the two ladies that I was auditioning with.”

Grande, equally thrilled about her co-star, revealed her feelings upon discovering Erivo would be her counterpart in this magical tale: “I said, ‘Thank God,'” the singer conveyed to the Times.

While Erivo chose not to name the actresses she auditioned alongside, notable talents such as Reneé Rapp, Dove Cameron, and Amanda Seyfried have all revealed their own experiences in auditioning for the coveted role of Glinda. Seyfried even disclosed that her auditioning coincided with her portrayal of Elizabeth Holmes in The Dropout.

“I literally bent over backwards while playing the hardest role of my life,” Seyfried reflected in 2022. “But I think it also taught me how far I’ve come as a singer, which I really wanted to prove.”

Meanwhile, Cameron expressed her delight at Grande being cast, calling it a thrilling moment since they share a close friendship.

For Grande, securing the role was not just another acting gig; it represented the realization of a lifelong dream, allowing her to reconnect with her roots in musical theater.

“As soon as I got murmurs of the fact that it could possibly be turning into a film, all I wanted was a chance to audition,” Grande recounted to the Times. “Some members of my team at the time were like, ‘You shouldn’t even have to audition,’ and I was like, ‘You don’t understand — of course I have to. This is something that has to be earned.’ I have so much to prove, and I threw myself at it in every way that I could.”

Grande elaborated on the auditioning process during a recent episode of the Sentimental Men podcast, detailing how it included singing songs for both lead characters and performing scenes from the Broadway script. Eventually, she met with other Elphaba hopefuls for chemistry reads, where she assessed the compatibility of her on-screen partnership. Like Erivo, Grande read with two different actresses — both of whom she described as “amazing” — but neither were destined to become Elphaba to her Glinda.

Erivo and Grande, despite their close ties to the project, didn’t meet until after both secured their roles in the eagerly awaited film directed by Jon M. Chu. Recognizing the importance of collaboration, they made a deliberate effort to foster a friendship.

“The first time we meet she comes to my house and we just talk. We’re on my floor just chatting,” Erivo detailed in a conversation on the Nov. 10 episode of Today’s Sunday Sitdown. “And the second time we get together is at Jon’s house. He has a dinner, and then dinner finishes, and we all gather round the piano, and that’s the first time we sing. And that for us is a really big moment because we can really do this together, not just as actresses but as singers too.”

She added, “I think both of us also knew that we wanted more than just this working relationship. We needed to build a friendship outside of this, and that’s what we have now.”

Slated to hit theaters on November 22, the first installment of the two-part Wicked film delves into the captivating origin story of Grande’s Glinda and Erivo’s Elphaba. The narrative unfolds the unique bond these two witches forge during their days at the illustrious Shiz University, setting the stage for their eventual destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West—characters familiar to all fans of the classic tale, The Wizard of Oz. Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, Peter Dinklage, and Bowen Yang are among the star-studded cast enriching this prequel adventure.

**Interview with Cynthia Erivo: Diving⁣ into the Magical World of *Wicked***

*Editor*: We’re thrilled to have you here, Cynthia! The buzz around the *Wicked* movie⁢ adaptation is palpable, especially with⁤ you stepping into the role of ​Elphaba alongside Ariana Grande as Glinda. How ⁣does it feel to be part of such an iconic story?

**Cynthia Erivo**: Thank you so much! It feels absolutely ​incredible. I’ve always loved *Wicked*, and to finally be in this world, portraying such a​ powerful character as Elphaba, is a dream come true. The‍ opportunity to share this journey‌ with Ariana makes it even more special.

*Editor*: You mentioned in a ​recent interview that it was “no⁣ surprise” to see Ariana cast as Glinda. What do you think makes her a perfect fit for‍ the role?

**Cynthia Erivo**:​ Ariana is unbelievably talented, and she ‍brings a unique charm⁣ and energy to everything she does. Her voice is gorgeous, and she ​has that infectious joy⁢ that shines through⁣ her performances. I think she ⁣embodies Glinda’s spirit beautifully.

*Editor*:⁣ Auditioning for such a high-profile project must have‌ been intense. You hinted at competing with some remarkable actresses for the role of Elphaba. Can you share ‍a bit about the process?

**Cynthia Erivo**: It⁣ was tough! I won’t name names, but it was an intense ‍experience. I remember feeling relieved and excited ‌when ⁢I found out I got the role. Auditioning alongside talented women is‌ always inspiring, and it pushes you to give your best.

*Editor*: Ariana also expressed her excitement about working with you. How‍ did it feel to finally meet‍ after both securing your parts?

**Cynthia Erivo**: Meeting Ariana was such a joy! We‍ wanted to create a strong bond right from the ⁢start. We knew how crucial chemistry would be for our characters, and thankfully, our friendship has blossomed and ‌strengthened as we’ve prepared for ​the film.

*Editor*: You both have such close ties to musical theater. For Ariana, securing this role was a realization of a lifelong dream. Can‌ you relate to that feeling?

**Cynthia Erivo**:‍ Absolutely! I ‍think for both ‌of us, this ⁢role means so much more than just ⁢a job. It’s a⁢ chance to showcase our love for musical theater ‍and to honor its legacy. We are both ready to pour our hearts into these characters.

*Editor*: As the film approaches, what do you hope audiences take away from *Wicked*?

**Cynthia Erivo**: I ‌hope⁣ audiences embrace the themes of ⁤friendship, acceptance, and understanding. Elphaba’s story is about challenging perceptions and standing up for ‌what you believe in. I want people to feel⁤ inspired⁢ and connected to the story,‍ just like I did when I first experienced it.

*Editor*: That’s beautiful! We can’t wait to see your performance as Elphaba. Thank you for your time, Cynthia, and we’ll be⁢ eagerly awaiting the film’s release!

**Cynthia Erivo**: Thank ‍you‌ for having me! I ⁤can’t wait ​for everyone to experience *Wicked*.