In a candid revelation, Jon M. Chu, the director of the eagerly awaited film adaptation of Wicked, disclosed that Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo were not his original choices for the roles of Glinda and Elphaba. Speaking to SFX Magazine, Chu shared insights into his initial vision for casting the beloved characters from the iconic Broadway musical, which first captivated audiences in 2003.
“I initially wanted a fresh slate coming into Wicked,” Chu explained. The 45-year-old director was initially inclined toward casting newcomers, envisioning a more uncharted approach for these legendary roles. “It’s such a monumental property that I thought we could afford to take a risk and introduce fresh talent. I was committed to finding unknown actors to embody these characters and bring something unexpected to the story,” he said.
However, as auditions progressed, Chu’s perspective shifted. The production began attracting attention from established performers, with numerous renowned actresses expressing a keen interest in auditioning. “We got calls from all these phenomenal actresses who were eager to be part of this project,” he recounted. “We auditioned an array of talented individuals, and each brought something extraordinary to the table. Yet, among them, two stood out unmistakably—two individuals who seemed destined to play these parts in this particular adaptation at this particular moment.”
Those two, of course, were none other than Erivo and Grande. Both seasoned performers with vast followings, their casting has amplified excitement for Wicked, transforming it from a beloved stage classic into one of the most highly anticipated cinematic events of the year.
Cynthia Erivo, 37, and Ariana Grande, 31, will take on the roles of Elphaba and Glinda, respectively, roles made iconic by Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth in the original Broadway production. Erivo, celebrated for her powerhouse voice and commanding stage presence, seems perfectly suited for the complex and fiercely independent Elphaba. Meanwhile, Grande, with her sparkling persona and vocal range, embodies Glinda’s charm and charisma.
The film’s ensemble cast is equally impressive, featuring Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard, Marissa Bode as Nessarose, Bowen Yang as Pfannee, Keala Settle as Miss Coddle, Ethan Slater as Boq, Peter Dinklage as Dr. Dillamond, and Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible.
With Chu’s thoughtful casting and this stellar lineup, Wicked is poised to bring the magic of Oz to a new generation, all while honoring its beloved theatrical roots.
