Current:Home > reviewsAriana Grande, Ethan Slater and the Entire Wicked Cast Stun in New Photos -Visionary Wealth Guides
Ariana Grande, Ethan Slater and the Entire Wicked Cast Stun in New Photos
Surpassing View
Date:2025-04-06 19:03:00
This cast is already quite popular.
The first official photos of Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Ethan Slater, and more stars on the set of the upcoming Wicked film were just released by Vanity Fair—and they'll make fans of the iconic Broadway production defy gravity with excitement.
For the "yes and?" singer, who transforms into the pink bubbly Glinda the Good Witch in the new pictures, the preparation for the role has been a lifetime in the making.
"It was literally 10 years of being like, ‘Knock, knock, any developments?'" Ariana joked to Vanity Fair in the first look published March 21. "‘Is there an audition coming this year, or next year? I would like to start preparing today.'"
Meanwhile, Cynthia, who plays the protagonist Elphaba, was one of the last actresses brought in to audition for the character later known as The Wicked Witch of the West.
And while she admitted she didn't think she'd be "seen," once the film's director Jon M. Chu and producer Marc Platt (who also produced the original Broadway musical) saw her audition, they knew they'd found their lead, adding, "We're like, ‘We're done.'"
As a prequel to the Wizard of Oz, Wicked—based on the 1995 book—gives the backstory of the unlikely friendship between Glinda the Good Witch and the Wicked Witch of the West. And as the film's leads, Ariana and Cynthia were able to forge a strong bond.
"I just need to say that I don't think people realize that she's got the chops," Cynthia told Vanity Fair of Ariana. "I don't think people realize how brilliant this person's brain and voice and talent is."
Meanwhile, the Grammy winner was quick to return the compliment, noting of the Harriet star, "She's my favorite female voice."
And while Platt had originally thought of casting unknowns for the highly-anticipated project, the upcoming Broadway adaptation—set to release in November—is one of the most star-studded musical movie productions of the last few years. And with Cynthia and Ariana's vocal power, Chu seems to believe the right casting decisions were made.
"These are live vocals," Chu added to the outlet. "Those girls were like, ‘F--k the pre-records. We're going live.'"
In addition to Ariana, Cynthia, and Ethan—who earned a Tony nomination for his performance as Spongebob Squarepants on Broadway—the cast includes Michelle Yeoh, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, and even Saturday Night Live's Bowen Yang.
Read on to see all the new Wicked cast photos.
Ariana Grande as Glinda the Good and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba.
Jeff Goldblum as The Wizard and Michelle Yeoh as his colleague, Madame Morrible.
Jonathan Bailey as hearthob prince Fiyero.
Ariana told Vanity Fair that nabbing her Glinda role was "10 years" in the making.
Meanwhile, Cynthia said she trained "like a boxer" for her role.
Jeff is the not-so-wonderful Wizard of Oz.
Madam Morrible is the headmistress of Shiz University.
Marisa Bode (Nessarose), Ethan Slater (Boq) Bowen Yang (Pfannee), and Bronwyn James (ShenShen) round out the cast.
Wicked is set to hit theaters on November 27, 2024.
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News AppveryGood! (8)
Related
- Selena Gomez engaged to Benny Blanco after 1 year together: 'Forever begins now'
- Heat up Your Kitchen With Sur la Table’s Warehouse Sale: Shop Le Creuset, Staub, & All-Clad up to 55% Off
- Reverend James Lawson, civil rights activist and nonviolent protest pioneer dies at 95
- NBA Finals Game 2 highlights: Celtics take 2-0 series lead over Mavericks
- From family road trips to travel woes: Americans are navigating skyrocketing holiday costs
- YouTuber Myka Stauffer Said Her Child Was Not Returnable Before Rehoming Controversy
- Woman sues Cold Stone Creamery over pistachio ice cream not containing pistachios
- Reverend James Lawson, civil rights activist and nonviolent protest pioneer dies at 95
- Intel's stock did something it hasn't done since 2022
- U.S. resumes delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza via repaired pier
Ranking
- Retirement planning: 3 crucial moves everyone should make before 2025
- Measure aimed at repealing Alaska’s ranked choice voting system scores early, partial win in court
- Will Smith confirms he tried to adopt 'I Am Legend' canine co-star
- How to watch the 2024 US Open golf championship from Pinehurst
- In ‘Nickel Boys,’ striving for a new way to see
- Ian McKellen on if he'd return as Gandalf in new 'Lord of the Rings' movie: 'If I'm alive'
- Michael Mosley, British doctor and TV presenter, found dead after vanishing on Greek island
- In the rough: Felony convictions could cost Trump liquor licenses at 3 New Jersey golf courses
Recommendation
The company planning a successor to Concorde makes its first supersonic test
Florida man pleads not guilty to kidnapping his estranged wife from her apartment in Spain
These American Flag Swimsuits Are Red, White & Cute: Amazon, Cupshe, Target, Old Navy & More
California is sitting on millions that could boost wage theft response
Nearly half of US teens are online ‘constantly,’ Pew report finds
The most important retirement table you'll ever see
Are the hidden costs of homeownership skyrocketing?Here's how they stack up
BBC Journalist Dr. Michael Mosley’s Wife Breaks Silence on His “Devastating” Death