Wicked fans got an exciting first look at Ariana Grande and her co-stars, including Cynthia Erivo, who plays Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, on the set of Universal’s film adaptation of the musical beloved of Broadway.
In brand new images of the 30-year-old pop star as Glinda, released by Vanity Fair On Thursday, the two-time Grammy winner looked absolutely angelic in a strapless bubblegum pink ballgown and a sparkling tiara on her head.
She was surrounded by tulips and could be seen holding a wand, which is the source of Glinda’s powers, as she stood just steps away from the yellow brick road in the magical land of Oz.
Another photo showed her perched atop a wardrobe, wearing a striped blazer and a long pleated skirt, next to a rack of pink clothes, while Erivo, 37, sat on a bed surrounded by books.
Additionally, the duo posed for a full photo with Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Grande’s boyfriend Ethan Slater, Jonathan Bailey, Marissa Bode, Bowen Yang and Bronwyn James.
While reflecting on her decade-long quest to play Glinda, her dream role, Grande reflected on the process and finding her own opportunities, including “stalking” producer Marc Platt to get the role.
“It was literally 10 years of saying, ‘Knock, knock, any developments? Is there an audition this year or next year? I’d like to start getting ready today,” the Everyday hitmaker told Vanity Fair.
While Jon M. Chu, who directed Grande in Wicked, considered giving the lead roles to unknown performers, which catapulted Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel to stardom, Grande won him over.
“Every time she came to audition, she arrived at least 30 minutes early,” he recalls. “I saw his car going in circles. I was like, “Who is this? » “It’s Ariana Grande.” “Why is she here so early?”
Although she’s only missing one award for Hollywood’s ultimate achievement, an EGOT award, Erivo confessed that she didn’t think she had a chance of landing her role as Elphaba.
“(I) honestly didn’t think I would be seen (for the role),” she said.
Once she got a call, the Tony winner said she started “training like” she “was a boxer.”
Speaking of Grande, Erivo praised her performance and character.
“I just have to say, I don’t think people realize she has the chops,” she said. “I don’t think people realize how brilliant this person’s brain and voice and talent is.”
The comment made the former Nickelodeon star’s eyes well up, before prompting him to return the compliment with one of his own.
“It’s my favorite female voice. When I was watching you sing at the Oscars, I told her, ‘I hope one day I get to sing with her,'” Grande told him.
Wicked fans got an exciting first look at Ariana Grande and her co-stars, including Cynthia Erivo, who plays Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, on the set of Universal’s film adaptation of the musical beloved of Broadway.
In brand new images of the 30-year-old pop star playing Glinda, released Thursday by Vanity Fair, the two-time Grammy winner looked absolutely angelic in a strapless bubblegum pink ball gown and sparkling tiara on the head.
She was surrounded by tulips and could be seen holding a wand, which is the source of Glinda’s powers, as she stood just steps away from the yellow brick road in the magical land of Oz.
Erivo then recalled some of her favorite memories on set, including watching Grande “jump on a chandelier” above her “head while singing.”
“She was so excited to play for her new friend,” Grande said of her character, Glinda. “She wanted to go for a ride.”
Chu also pointed out that all the residents are “alive” because of the women’s insistence.
“When we were making the movie, these girls were like, ‘F**k the pre-recordings.’ We’re going live,” he told readers.
Although he warned them there would be “a lot of wind in” their air lines, he said they didn’t miss a beat.
The film is the upcoming two-part film adaptation of the hit 2004 Broadway musical, Wicked.
The film is the upcoming two-part film adaptation of the hit 2004 Broadway musical, Wicked.
The film tells the story of an unlikely friendship that arises between Elphaba and Glinda, two witches who clash in the magical land of Oz.
Elphaba is unfairly cast as an evil witch as she seeks to expose the fraudulent and corrupt wizard who rules the country.
The first part is expected to be released on November 27, 2024. The second part will be released on November 26, 2025.
Wicked is the origin story of a “green-skinned woman who becomes the Wicked Witch of the West.”
It serves as a prequel to The Wizard of Oz, exploring the narrative before Dorothy’s arrival and delving into the old friendship between characters Elphaba and Glinda.
In January, Grande shared an emotional message about finishing filming Wicked.
“I will never forget even a minute of my years with (Glinda),” she wrote on her Instagram Story. ‘Or you. or my Cyn (Cynthia Erivo). Permanently and preferably intertwined
It was on the set that she met her boyfriend, who plays Munchkinland resident Boq.
In January, Grande shared an emotional message about finishing filming Wicked, where she met her boyfriend, who plays Munchkinland resident Boq.
“I will never forget even a minute of my years with (Glinda),” she wrote on her Instagram Story. ‘Or you. or my Cyn (Cynthia Erivo). Permanently and preferably intertwined.
She continued, “I’m inexplicably grateful to have been able to add so many soggy lashes to the collection.”
The actress then thanked the film’s director, admitting that “there are no words yet” to describe her emotions.
“Thank you, Jon, for leading the way with such compassion, openness, genius and kindness,” she concluded. “I’ve never seen anyone run a space like you do. I love you so much.’