Ariana Grande recently addressed fans’ concerns about her casting as Glinda in the highly anticipated Wicked movie adaptation.
Recognizing that some may not view her as the obvious choice, the 31-year-old singer and actress opened up about her deep-rooted connection to the beloved Broadway musical and her excitement to portray the iconic “good” witch alongside Cynthia Erivo, who will play Elphaba.
Appearing on the Sentimental Men podcast on November 1, Ariana reflected on the weight of this opportunity, emphasizing that a role of this caliber requires dedication. “Anything on this scale must be earned,” she explained, acknowledging the prestige of Wicked and the responsibility that comes with such a part.
Ariana also admitted to understanding why some fans might be skeptical of her casting. Referring to her previous music, she noted, “If I’d heard the news back in the day, maybe I would’ve reacted the same way.” She laughed, adding that, like any passionate Wicked fan, she might have initially dismissed the idea herself. Addressing the fan base’s concerns head-on, she acknowledged feeling the pressure to meet expectations.
While some might assume that Ariana’s fame gives her an edge, she noted that her public persona could be a disadvantage. “When you’re known for a specific style or persona, it can be challenging to step into a completely different character and have audiences believe it,” she said. Acknowledging the challenge, she shared her nervousness but also her commitment to proving herself worthy of the role.
To land the part of Glinda, Ariana went through multiple audition rounds in 2021 and received encouragement from Wicked’s original Glinda, Kristin Chenoweth. Sharing a touching moment, Ariana recalled Kristin’s support, noting how Kristin was thrilled at her decision to audition. “She told me, ‘I was hoping you’d go for this. I love you, and I know you’ll bring something unique to the role.’”
With Wicked set to debut in theaters on November 22, fans will soon have the chance to see Ariana bring her own take on Glinda to life. She hopes audiences will view her portrayal with an open mind, honoring both the character’s legacy and her own dedication to the role.