Pop music superstar Ariana Grande and Tony award-winning actress Cynthia Erivo are fueling chatter around their upcoming roles in the screen adaptation of the Broadway musical “Wicked”. The Academy Award buzz is already swirling for the duo, though the film is only in its early stages of development.
Grande, a self-proclaimed “Wicked” fan, has landed the role of Glinda, while Erivo will portray Elphaba. The casting news has prompted some fans to question the decision to cast Grande in the role of Glinda, who has traditionally been depicted as a heterosexual character. Grande, however, is an outspoken advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and has mentioned on several occasions that she could be considered queer coded due to her affinity for the community.
Addressing the controversy surrounding her casting, Grande took to social media to acknowledge the concerns of the LGBTQ+ community. She noted that while she understands their point of view, she believes that love is universal and that one’s sexual preferences shouldn’t dictate how characters are portrayed on screen.
Meanwhile, the multitalented Cynthia Erivo, recognized for her accomplishments in theatre and film with an Emmy, Grammy, and a Tony, is regarded as one of the industry’s most promising talents. This marks yet another notable role on her impressive resume, and further fuels the Oscar buzz around the upcoming “Wicked” film.
The expectation for a possible Part 2 of “Wicked” has also been discussed. While details remain sketchy, both Grande and Erivo have expressed their enthusiasm for exploring their characters in greater depth, suggesting that they would be more than willing to return for a potential sequel.
Although there is no release date for the film as yet, the anticipation and Oscar speculation surrounding “Wicked” promises an intriguing cinematic experience. The casting of Grande and Erivo not only adds star power to the project, but also introduces a fresh perspective in defining the characters of Glinda and Elphaba.
Last modified: January 3, 2025
