Ariana Grande has opened up about what makes Wicked so enduring, following her first-ever Oscar nomination for her role in the highly anticipated film adaptation directed by Jon M. Chu.
In a recent interview with BBC News, the 31-year-old singer turned actress shared her thoughts on the timeless appeal of the beloved musical, her comic skills in the movie, and what fans can expect from the second part of the franchise.
Discussing the universal themes of Wicked, Ariana explained, “I think it’s the accumulation of everything… the themes are very timely but also timeless.”
She emphasized that the characters of Galinda and Elphaba resonate deeply with audiences because they reflect aspects of humanity that people can easily relate to. “It hits a really personal chord just because of the humanness that it has in it,” she said.
Ariana also touched on the core message of the movie, which explores the idea of whether people are inherently “wicked” or if they are shaped by the circumstances around them. “Maybe we are all people that just experience things and grow.
Maybe people are not actually wicked,” she explained, adding that Wicked is ultimately “a celebration of humanness.”
In addition to the film’s emotional depth, Ariana spoke about her own role and comic timing. “I have always loved comedy. I am such a comedy nerd,” she revealed. Citing Jim Carrey as her all-time favorite comedian, the actress expressed her excitement over bringing humor to her portrayal of Galinda.
Looking ahead to Wicked 2, Ariana teased fans with what they can expect from the sequel. “These women have so much in them,” she said. “There’s a lot that happens to them, and you get to know Elphaba and Galinda at very new depths.” She particularly highlighted Galinda’s character arc, noting that audiences will witness “many examples of strength and forgiveness” in the upcoming installment.
As fans eagerly await Wicked 2, Ariana’s insight promises that the next chapter will be as emotionally rich and compelling as the first.