Cynthia Erivo Praises Ariana Grande’s Casting in Wicked, Subtly Hints Relief at Avoiding Other Audition Partners

In a recent interview with The New York Times, actress Cynthia Erivo, who stars as Elphaba in the highly anticipated film adaptation of Wicked, expressed her gratitude that pop star Ariana Grande was chosen to play Glinda, subtly hinting that she preferred Grande to other actresses who auditioned for the role.

“Thank goodness, because it was not the two ladies that I was auditioning with,” Erivo commented, which some took as a lighthearted nod to her preference for Grande as her co-star. Reports have suggested that actresses Dove Cameron and Reneé Rapp were also considered for the role of Glinda.

However, since being cast together in 2021, Erivo and Grande have developed a close friendship, strengthening their bond both on and off-set. Speaking about their friendship, Grande told the outlet, “I think that was one of my most cherished parts of this experience: I felt held and like I had a friend every step of the way”, according to reports.

Erivo echoed these sentiments, explaining the support she’s felt from Grande. “I don’t think it was up until I met her that I was like, ‘Oh, I think I can have what I want in this lifetime, and I can have it in my way,’” Erivo shared. “She’s really held my hand all the way through it and wants it for me just as much as I want for myself.”

The film Wicked, inspired by The Wizard of Oz and based on the hit Broadway musical, is set for release on November 22, 2024. Fans are eagerly anticipating the on-screen chemistry between Erivo and Grande, who have brought a sense of genuine camaraderie to their roles as Elphaba and Glinda.