Wicked on Broadway
After much anticipation, the movie adaption of the musical Wicked has found its two witches.
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo have been cast in the movie musical, with Ariana set to play Glinda the Good Witch and Cynthia tackling the iconic role of Elphaba.
Are you freaking out, Wicked fans? Because I’m freaking out.
The exciting news was shared on Thursday, November 4, with the film’s director, Jon M. Chu, sharing a photo of himself on a zoom call with both leading ladies.
“These two witches!! The emotional moment I got to tell @cynthiaerivo and @arianagrande that they were our Elphaba and Galinda in the @WickedMovie for @unistudios,” he wrote.
“Wait until you see what they bring!! It is other worldly. Ahhhhh!!!”
The “thank u, next” singer also shared a photo of her zoom call with Cynthia and the caption, “Thank goodness.”
She also shared a photo of flowers that Cynthia had sent it, which included a note that read, “‘Pink goes good with green.’ Congratulations Miss A, the part was made for you, I look forward to sharing this musical journey with you.”
Not to be outdone, Ariana also sent Cynthia a bouquet of green and white flowers and wrote, “Dear Cynthia, honored doesn’t even begin to cover it. I cannot wait to hug you. See you in Oz.”
Idina Menzel, who starred as the original Elphaba on Broadway for a few years, sent her congratulations to both actresses.
“Congrats to two amazing women. May it change your lives for the better forever and ever as it has for us. So much love. @cynthiaerivo @arianagrande,” she wrote on Twitter.
It’s no secret Universal Pictures has been trying to get the movie adaption of Wicked made for years, with countless actresses throwing their hat into the ring to be considered for Glinda and Elphaba.
Lea Michele, who is best known for playing Rachel Berry in Glee, was seen as a strong contender for the role of Elphaba for years, while Amanda Seyfried recently revealed she wanted to play the role of Glinda.
In fact, the Mamma Mia actress told Variety’s Award Circuit podcast back in April that she actually sent a recording of herself singing “Popular” to Jon.
“I’ve never been more ready to hit those notes,” she shared.
While Amanda would’ve been a great choice, Universal clearly decided to go with Ariana instead.
Production on the film is set to begin next summer in the U.K., with the movie expected to be released in 2023.
