Why is Ethan Slater being compared to a ‘Jim Henderson animatronic creation’

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Ethan Slater, known for his lead role in the SpongeBob SquarePants musical and currently dating Ariana Grande, has garnered attention for his upcoming role as Boq in the big-screen adaptation of Wicked. In a video interview at a Spamalot-related event, Slater’s enthusiastic and jittery demeanor, along with his repeated use of the phrase “love and care” to describe the approach to the Wicked musical, sparked discussion on platforms like TikTok and Reddit.

The video captured Slater’s animated gestures and expressions, leading some viewers to comment on his energetic style. One Reddit user humorously referred to him as a “Jim Henderson animatronic creation,” likely intending to reference Jim Henson, the creator of the Muppets.

Despite the playful commentary, Slater’s portrayal of Boq in Wicked is highly anticipated, and the film is set to be released in two parts. The first part is scheduled for November 2024, followed by the second part in November 2025, with both parts receiving the same level of “love and care” in their production.

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