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The highly anticipated movie adaptation of Wicked has finally hit cinemas, and the lead roles of Glinda and Elphaba are brought to life by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, who are absolute perfection in their respective roles.
While it’s hard to imagine anyone else playing these iconic characters, it’s interesting to note that several A-list celebrities auditioned for the parts, only to be pipped to the post by the talented duo.
From pop superstars to Hollywood A-listers, here are the famous faces who could have potentially starred in Wicked instead of the current cast.
Credit: Universal Pictures/YouTube
Elphaba
Interestingly, Cynthia Erivo wasn’t the only talented actress in the running to play the green-skinned witch, as several other notable stars were also considered for the role, including:
- Lady Gaga – The pop sensation was initially set to play Elphaba, but a change in the movie’s director led to her departure from the project.
- Nicole Scherzinger – The former Pussycat Dolls singer was reportedly in talks with producers, but ultimately decided against taking on the role.
- Jessie J – Although it’s only a rumor, the British singer-songwriter would have been an intriguing choice for the part of Elphaba.
Glinda
Can you envision any of these talented actresses as Glinda instead of Ariana Grande, who is already receiving rave reviews for her performance?
- Amy Adams – The Oscar-nominated actress, known for her roles in Enchanted and American Hustle, is rumored to have auditioned for the part of Glinda.
- Amanda Seyfried – The Mean Girls star has revealed that she was desperate to land the role, but unfortunately didn’t make the cut.
- Anne Hathaway – Although it’s unconfirmed, the Les Misérables actress, who has showcased her singing talents on the big screen, could have potentially been a great fit for Glinda.
- Katy Perry – Rumors suggest that the Firework singer was briefly in the running for the role, but ultimately didn’t secure it.
- Lilli Reinhart – The Riverdale star could have traded in her Betty Cooper persona for a stint as Glinda, but it wasn’t meant to be.
- Dove Cameron – After losing out on the role, the Descendants actress graciously conceded that Ariana Grande would “kill it” as Glinda.
- Reneé Rapp – The actress, known for her role in The Sex Lives of College Girls, similarly praised Grande’s casting, saying she would be “f***ing amazing” as Glinda.
- Ashley Park – Mindy from Emily in Paris reportedly auditioned for the role, but didn’t make the final cut.
Credit: Universal Pictures/YouTube
Fiyero
While Jonathan Bailey is excellent as Fiyero, the role could have potentially gone to:
- Harry Styles – The former One Direction heartthrob was allegedly at the top of the casting wishlist, but ultimately didn’t secure the part.
- Shawn Mendes – The Canadian singer-songwriter auditioned for the role and was reportedly very close to landing it.
- Joe Jonas – Both of the Jonas Brothers auditioned for Fiyero, but neither managed to snag the role.
- Nick Jonas – After losing out on the part, the singer shrugged it off, saying “That’s the life of an actor.”
- Charlie Puth – Although it’s only a rumor, the singer-songwriter was supposedly in the running for the role at one point.
Madame Morrible
Instead of Michelle Yeoh, who is phenomenal as Madame Morrible, the role could have gone to:
- Jennifer López – An insider claimed that the superstar auditioned for the part, but didn’t get it.
- Hannah Waddingham – The Ted Lasso actress, who played the Wicked Witch of the West in the West End production of Wicked, could have been an excellent Madame Morrible.
- Imelda Staunton – The Harry Potter actress, known for her iconic role as Dolores Umbridge, is rumored to have auditioned for the part.
Credit: Universal Pictures/YouTube
Wizard
Can you picture any of these actors as the Wizard of Oz?
- Steve Martin – The Only Murders in the Building actor was supposedly in contention for the role, which would have been an interesting casting choice.
- Bryan Cranston – The Breaking Bad star would have brought a level of gravitas to the role of the Wizard, making him an excellent candidate.
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Featured image by: Universal Pictures/YouTube
