Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, the stars of the highly-anticipated film adaptation of the Broadway hit Wicked, recently opened up about their experiences filming the movie. The two actresses, who portray Elphaba and Glinda respectively, shared heartfelt reflections during their promotional interviews, emphasizing the bonds they forged throughout their time on set. With the film’s release date set for November 22, the excitement is palpable, but so are the emotions tied to their roles.
Meeting at the iconic Chateau Marmont, the two actresses quickly fell back on the rapport they built during production. The atmosphere was both relaxed and charged with nostalgia as they revisited their time on set, which was fraught with challenges from pandemic-induced delays to the actors' strike. "We had to navigate everything together," Erivo recalled. "It was not just about acting; it was about supporting each other through a lot of craziness."
One may wonder how two powerhouse performers like Grande and Erivo prepared to embody such iconic characters. For her part, Grande admitted, "I wanted to earn this role, and I was determined to audition regardless of what others thought. It was something I had to fight for." This tenacity traces back to her childhood dreams of being involved with Wicked, having first seen the Broadway production at just ten years old.
Erivo echoed this commitment, adding, "I had no intention of playing to the green. I wanted to bring Elphaba's inner life to the forefront." The green-skinned protagonist is often viewed through the lens of her villainous transformation, but Erivo aimed to portray her as deeply human and relatable. Grande, stepping out of her pop-star persona, also worked hard to reshape how audiences perceive Glinda, adopting her character's vivacity and charm without losing her authenticity.
Both actresses didn’t shy away from the emotional weight their characters carry. "The tears would fall every single time," Erivo shared, reflecting on shooting intense sequences. Grande chimed in, stating, "And I’d catch them,” illustrating their closeness. To these women, the emotional nuances of their performances are just as important as the music and choreography.
The film itself serves as a prequel to The Wizard of Oz, with significant stories exploring the lives of Elphaba and Glinda long before they became enemies on the yellow brick road. Between the grand musical numbers and the personal character journeys, the duo expressed their excitement for audiences to witness how their shared story evolves onscreen.
Interestingly, the casting dynamics for Wicked have sparked discussions about representation. During their conversation, Erivo highlighted the historical lack of opportunities for Black actresses to play pivotal roles, saying, "Historically, Black women have never really been seen for the role. It’s something I’ve thought about deeply as I took on Elphaba." She expressed gratitude for being able to break through these barriers, showcasing the representation of diverse characters on such grand stages.
While preparing for their roles, the actresses faced another common challenge – the COVID-19 pandemic. Each actor contracted the virus at pivotal moments, which added another layer of difficulty to their shooting schedule. Grande recalled feeling compelled to perform under masks, humorously recounting, "I joked about it, saying, 'Positive, you’re going to be positive!'" Their witty exchanges provided much-needed comic relief amid the intensity of the film.
Still, the emotional connection transcends mere professional respect. Both stars shared life-changing moments during filming, claiming the experience has had lasting impacts on their personal lives. Grande remarked, "I feel inspired by Cynthia’s honesty and strength. She has taught me to be more of an ally to myself." This personal growth is echoed by Erivo, who feels empowered by her co-star’s unwavering support. “It’s wonderful to have had this experience with someone who believes in you,” Erivo noted.
Throughout production, the time spent apart due to the actors' strike became bittersweet. "At first, it felt like an interruption, but later it was the rest we needed after working ourselves to the bone," Erivo said. Grande agreed, adding, "No matter how much time passed, the second we got back, the characters were right there with us. They never really left us." This comprehension of their characters speaks volumes about their commitment to the roles.
When they wrapped up filming, both actresses felt the heaviness of letting go of their characters. Emotions ran high, and the release of the pent-up feelings wasn’t easy. "I was devastated the day we wrapped up," Erivo admitted during their interview, and Grande chimed in with, "The whole day was just so emotional for us. We were crying every minute. It was hard to face the reality of no longer embodying these characters."
Despite the great moments of emotional turmoil, Grande found joy in the gesture of including her full name, 'Ariana Grande-Butera,' in the film’s credits. For her, it was about reclaiming her identity, the little girl who first dreamed of playing Glinda on Broadway. Erivo’s recognition of Grande's sincerity and depth only strengthens their friendship, which stems from shared aspirations and struggles.
Before the interview ended, the actresses emphasized the importance of their story's themes—navigators of humanism and emotional complexity. "Characters like this don’t come often, and they carry so much more than just their narratives," Erivo concluded. Grande echoed this sentiment by noting, "Today, we need stories like ours to remind people of hope, change, and the complexity of humanness." Releasing their film is not merely about entertainment; it’s about genuine representation and heartfelt storytelling.
The excitement surrounding Wicked continues to build as fans await its release, eager to see how Erivo and Grande have brought these beloved characters to life on the big screen. The experiences shared by the actresses—battling their insecurities, forging deep friendships, and advocating for representation—create anticipation for what will surely be one of the year's most talked-about films.
