"Cynthia Erivo on Why She's ‘Thankful’ Ariana Grande Was Cast in Wicked - An Inside Look at Their Dynamic Collaboration as Glinda and Elphaba"

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo joined the "Journey Through Oz" Tour to celebrate the Australian premiere of Wicked at the State Theatre.

Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande's casting in the upcoming Wicked films has captivated fans and Broadway lovers alike. When two powerhouse performers come together for such iconic roles—Elphaba and Glinda—there’s bound to be excitement and curiosity. In a recent interview with The New York Times, Erivo opened up about her heartfelt reaction to Grande’s casting as Glinda, expressing her gratitude that Grande, rather than her auditioning rivals, got the part. With the first of two Wicked films set to release on November 22, audiences are eager to see the chemistry between Erivo’s Elphaba and Grande’s Glinda unfold on the big screen.

A Unique Bond and Initial Impressions
When asked about their reactions to each other's casting, both stars shared genuine gratitude for one another. Erivo revealed her delight in knowing Grande would play Glinda, saying, “Thank goodness, because it was not the two ladies that I was auditioning with.” Erivo’s “thank goodness” was more than a passing remark; it speaks volumes about the importance of having the right chemistry on screen for such emotionally charged characters. Her response hinted at a strong admiration for Grande, suggesting that she was truly “changed for the better” by working with the pop icon.

On the flip side, Grande was equally thrilled about Erivo landing the role of Elphaba. The Grammy-winning singer shared, “I said, ‘Thank God.’” Their mutual respect and excitement about working together set the stage for an unforgettable dynamic between two of Wicked’s most beloved characters.

Behind-the-Scenes Chemistry and a Mutual Journey
From the beginning, Grande and Erivo supported each other through the rigorous audition process. The stars sent congratulatory flowers and exchanged notes after hearing the news of each other's casting in 2021. Erivo wrote to Grande, “Congratulations Miss A, The Part Was Made For You, I Look Forward To Sharing This Musical Journey With You.” This camaraderie wasn’t just a nice gesture; it reflected the mutual respect that would form the backbone of their work on Wicked. Spending two years filming in London with a cast that includes the likes of Michelle Yeoh, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, and Bowen Yang, their relationship only grew stronger.

Grande’s Dedication: The Rigorous Audition Process
Grande’s journey to embodying Glinda was no small feat. Despite her worldwide fame, Grande emphasized the challenges of auditioning for a role in Wicked. In a recent interview on the Sentimental Men podcast, she explained, “People sometimes say to me, ‘You had to audition?’ Of course… It’s Wicked! And it requires a totally different skill set than people know me for and have ever seen me do anything like.” Her commitment to shedding her “public persona” for the role speaks to her respect for the Wicked legacy.

Grande’s team reportedly felt she shouldn’t have to audition, but she saw it differently. “I have so much to prove, and I threw myself at it in every way that I could,” Grande said in her NYT interview. Her hard work and dedication impressed Erivo, who found herself equally dedicated to bringing authenticity to her portrayal of Elphaba.

A Two-Part Wicked Epic Awaited by Fans
The upcoming Wicked adaptation will be released in two parts, with the first installment arriving at the end of this month and the second in November 2025. This approach allows the filmmakers, led by director Jon M. Chu, to dive deeper into the complex narratives of Glinda and Elphaba’s relationship, as well as the events that lead to their fateful destinies. Audiences are eagerly awaiting the duology, which promises to bring Gregory Maguire’s novel and the beloved Broadway musical to life with fresh perspectives and heightened drama.

The excitement around Wicked’s release has only intensified with Erivo and Grande’s honest reflections on their roles and each other. Erivo’s “thank goodness” for Grande’s casting isn’t just a compliment; it’s a testament to how essential the right casting is for such iconic characters. With both stars putting everything on the line to do justice to Elphaba and Glinda, fans can anticipate a magical journey filled with emotion, passion, and unforgettable performances. The first part of Wicked hits theaters on November 22, and if Erivo’s and Grande’s chemistry offscreen is any indicator, audiences are in for a spellbinding experience.