Ariana Grande and Jimmy Fallon recently entertained fans with a vibrant TikTok recreation of the viral "Wicked Witch of the East, bro!" meme, stirring excitement right before the theatrical release of the highly anticipated film adaptation of Wicked. The playful clip, captured during Grande's appearance on The Tonight Show, features the pair energetically lip-syncing to the original audio, which showcases two friends debating whether Glinda is, effectively, more of a princess than a witch.
The viral original video, first posted to YouTube by user Austin Parrish back in 2018, depicted the two friends—Matt and Doug—animatedly arguing about Glinda's royal status, passionately exclaiming lines like, “Her sister was a witch, right? And what was her sister? A princess! The Wicked Witch of the East, bro!” This wild debate struck such a chord with viewers it quickly amassed millions of views, establishing itself as classic internet lore.
Fast forward to this week, and the internet is ablaze with excitement as Grande, who plays Glinda, donned her signature pink costume and perfectly mirrored the feisty mannerisms and gestures from the viral debate. “She wore a crown and she came down in a bubble!” she lip-synced with gusto, mimicking the original tone and animation, much to the delight of fans. Comments flooding the video hailed her performance, noting how Grande embodied the video’s frantic energy, which many thought would be impossible to replicate.
Fans have long awaited the release of the Wicked film, scheduled to hit theaters on November 22, 2024. Ariana's portrayal of Glinda, alongside her co-star Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, has already generated immense interest, not only due to her star power but also the deep emotional connection she possesses for the character. Grande's expressed dedication to the role has been evident throughout her promotional appearances leading up to the film release.
During her time on The Tonight Show, the audience learned about Grande's own excitement when she was cast as Glinda. Having actively campaigned for the role since whispers of the film began circulating back in 2021, Grande wanted to be thoroughly prepared. Her commitment was so passionate she reportedly trained rigorously, emphasizing the importance of honoring the character and her legacy from the beloved Broadway show.
Of course, it wouldn't be surprising to find Grande immersing herself fully, seeking out acting and singing lessons to nail her performance. With her dreams becoming reality, she humorously recounted, "When they called me to tell me I had the part, I had one heart attack. Then they told me I was going to be playing opposite Cynthia Erivo, and that was the second heart attack!" Her excitement is palpable, igniting fans’ anticipation even more.
Cynthia Erivo, known for her incredible vocal talent and acting prowess, joins Grande, culminating in what many expect to be magic on film. Beyond their on-screen talents, their chemistry has already sent ripples of excitement through the fan community. Grande has often expressed her admiration for Erivo, calling her extraordinary and sharing how wonderful it's been to bond as true sisters during filming.
The TikTok recreated by Grande and Fallon has sparked nostalgia for the original video, reminding viewers of the intensity of discussions surrounding Wicked. That passion translates seamlessly to the promotions and anticipation for the film adaptation. It also showcases how the internet’s cultural phenomenon can bridge the gap between classic content and new designs, creating opportunities for stars to engage with fans on platforms like TikTok.
Online culture embraces the absurdity of passionate debates over trivial subjects, which is reflected through many of today’s viral sensations. Grande and Fallon’s video serves as another example of how entertainment can draw from past internet treasures to engage audiences anew, simultaneously honoring beloved stories like Wicked as they pave the way for future renditions.
Fans have taken to social media to express their exhilaration, many urging the Wicked marketing team to invite Grande and Fallon to their premieres for added flair. The buzz surrounding both the film and this delightful recreation indicates just how excited audiences are for Grande’s portrayal of Glinda and for the film itself.
With the premiere approaching, excitement throughout the fandom keeps rising. Grande, embodying her character with emotive fervor, along with the vibrant social media presence of the cast, showcases how integral the internet culture is to modern promotions. All eyes remain glued on Wicked as it prepares to launch, and whether through meme recreation or heartfelt promotional tours, the affection for this musical adaption echoes throughout every platform they touch.
It seems quite clear—Wicked‘s theatrical debut is not just awaited; it is celebrated, and Ariana Grande's playful spirit alongside Jimmy Fallon promises to keep the spotlight warm as they lead us toward the magical world of Oz.
