Image Credits: Universal Pictures
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Ariana Grande recently revealed that the atmosphere on the set of the much-anticipated Wicked movie adaptation was profoundly emotional, with cast and crew moved to tears almost daily. Speaking on the Sentimental Men podcast, Grande, who portrays Glinda in director Jon M. Chu’s adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical, described the experience as both “beautiful” and deeply impactful. Joined by notable cast members, including Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, Grande said, “Everyone cried. It was really beautiful.”
Ariana Grande on Wicked shooting:
This behind-the-scenes look comes just weeks before Wicked: Part One opens in theaters on November 22. Chu’s adaptation brings the Tony-winning story by Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman to the big screen in a two-part cinematic journey, with Part Two scheduled for release in 2025. Based on Gregory Maguire’s novel, the musical reimagines the land of Oz, exploring the backstory and untold friendship between Glinda and Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West.
Grande, a lifelong fan of The Wizard of Oz, shared memories of her first encounter with the musical at just ten years old, where she met Wicked’s original Broadway stars Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth. “Idina gave me a little green bracelet,” Grande recalled, while Chenoweth gave her a wand and a glittering body wash, which the young Grande took to heart as “magical.” Now, years later, she steps into Chenoweth’s iconic role of Glinda.
The casting process itself proved challenging and emotional for Grande. Recalling a chemistry read, she shared, “I had cried so much” that she unintentionally left her fake eyelashes behind, feeling she had given everything to the role. Grande praised her costar Erivo as “the best, most formidable actress and singer,” noting that the two developed a close bond to deepen their on-screen connection.
Hosted by Quincy Brown and Kevin Bianchi, Sentimental Men typically focuses on actresses in Broadway’s Wicked. Both Grande and Erivo are recent guests, discussing their connections to the legendary roles of Glinda and Elphaba. Erivo is scheduled to appear on the podcast on November 8, where she’ll share her own experiences from filming.