Ariana Grande's role as Glinda the Good Witch in the much-anticipated film adaptation of Wicked has already sparked significant interest among fans and critics alike. Since its Broadway debut over two decades ago, Wicked has become one of the most beloved musicals, and Grande's participation as Glinda adds another layer of excitement to the narrative. With her well-acclaimed musical career and previous film roles, the singer-actress is stepping out of her comfort zone, committing herself to portray the iconic character with her unique flair.
Filming Wicked, directed by Jon M. Chu, was no small feat. The production faced immediate challenges, primarily directing the vision of the movie with such vibrant and established material. Grande had established her dedication to the project, emphasized by her recent decision to reject reworking one of the movie's songs. During filming, she firmly stated, "Absolutely not, don’t do it. I want to be Glinda, not Ariana Grande playing Glinda" when discussing the potential transformation of her song 'Popular' to incorporate more hip-hop elements.
Composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz, responsible for the original production's music, opened up about Grande's initial hesitation about changing the song's tempo and style during their recordings. He proposed experimenting with the song to refresh the musical motif. Schwartz explained, "Let’s refresh the rhythm. Let’s, maybe, I don’t know, hip-hop it up a little bit." Yet, Grande was insistent on maintaining the embodiment of her character, prioritizing authenticity over personal artistic creativity.
Eventually, Schwartz found common ground with her by proposing his concept for the song's ending, convincing Grande by assuring her it would come from her character's own voice. He mentioned, “Ariana was a little hesitant about it, but I told her if I had thought of it for the original show, this is how it would have been.” With this reassurance, Grande agreed to the new vocal addition, helping to keep the spirit of the character intact.
This level of dedication speaks volumes about Grande's approach to her career and her commitment to crafting genuine portrayals. Wicked not only marks the union of Grande and musical theater but also showcases her willingness to immerse herself deeply within her roles. Grande previously worked on the song 'Popular,' producing a dance-pop cover for her album Yours Truly back in 2013, yet her refusal to modify the beloved song for the film adaptation reminds fans of her dedication to the authenticity of the character she is portraying.
Grande’s commitment shines not only through her artistic choices but also through her collaborative spirit. The iconic scene featuring her rendition of 'Popular' is among the pivotal highlights of the film. Grande showcases her strengths as she glides through the scene with exuberance and charm, transforming Elphaba, played by Cynthia Erivo, under her guidance.
According to Chu, the artistic direction and choreography behind this number were no easy task. The production team wanted to maintain the foundational elements of the original song, yet breath new life to it within the film. Jon M. Chu reminisced about the pressure surrounding the performance of 'Popular,' describing how it incites both excitement and challenge due to its fame. “This is one of those songs everyone knows from Wicked... There was pressure to do this right,” he noted.
Chu narrated the dynamic between Grande and Erivo during the filming of the scene, emphasizing Grande's comedic and performing abilities. “Ari is just a master of comedy,” Chu said. His expression of admiration highlights not only Grande's talent as a performer but also the chemistry shared between the two leads. Grande’s glamorous interactions with Erivo encapsulate their characters’ bond as they explore their friendship, presenting humor and heart during shared moments.
The scene also highlights broader production techniques, featuring lavish set designs and stunning costumes. Grande's outfit, carefully crafted by costume designer Paul Tazewell, includes delightful details like the distinctive pink peignoir she wears during the performance. This outfit has already gained traction, reflected even on merchandise lines inspired by the production. Chu remarked on the significance of design details, voice performances, and engineering behind the choreography, stating how intertwining these elements became central to achieving their artistic vision.
From Grande's graceful swings on chandeliers to spontaneous moments of camaraderie with Erivo, the fashion and mechanics of the scene offer more than mere entertainment; they symbolize the film’s emotional core and the foundational relationships at play. The engineers behind such innovations worked tirelessly, assuring every concept brought to life on set showcases the magic of the narrative.
Despite these challenges, Wicked triumphed at the box office, quickly shattering records, drawing global attention to the film. It grossed approximately $164.2 million within its opening week, indicating strong public interest and anticipation surrounding this dynamic collaboration.
Overall, Ariana Grande's foundation of professional integrity and dedication shines brightly through her role as Glinda. By actively choosing to embody her character rather than overshadow her with personal flair, Grande ensures the film not only honors its roots but also captivates audiences with its fresh take. Wicked has inevitably stirred the pot within the musical community, and Grande’s decisions continue to be pivotal as fans await the full execution of what promises to be another treasured adaptation.
