Wicked has long been one of the most beloved musicals of our time, and now, it’s making its way to the big screen in a highly anticipated two-part film directed by Jon M. Chu. The Wicked movie has brought together two powerhouse talents, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, to play the iconic roles of Elphaba and Glinda, respectively. In an exclusive interview with Vanity Fair, the stars opened up about their experiences, the challenges of their roles, and how they’re breathing new life into the cherished story.

Bringing the Characters to Life

Cynthia Erivo, a Tony Award-winning actress known for her role in The Color Purple, takes on the challenge of playing Elphaba, the misunderstood green witch. In her interview, she described the emotional and physical demands of portraying such a complex character. Erivo mentioned how she has drawn on her personal experiences to explore Elphaba’s journey, from being an outcast to becoming a symbol of defiance and empowerment. One of the most exciting aspects of the role, she explained, is tackling iconic musical numbers like “Defying Gravity” and “No Good Deed,” which push her both vocally and emotionally.

For Ariana Grande, playing Glinda is a dream come true. A lifelong Wicked fan, Grande revealed how stepping into Glinda’s shoes has been a surreal experience. She shared that her love for the musical has influenced her portrayal, allowing her to bring authenticity to the role while adding her own unique touch to the character’s bubbly yet complex persona. Known for her impressive vocal range, Grande said that performing “Popular” and other Glinda-centric numbers has been both a joyful and deeply fulfilling process.

The Power of Their On-Screen Bond

One of the most compelling elements of Wicked is the evolving relationship between Elphaba and Glinda, a friendship that starts with rivalry but eventually grows into mutual respect and understanding. Erivo and Grande’s real-life friendship has been instrumental in bringing this dynamic to the screen. Both actresses spoke about how their off-screen bond allowed them to fully immerse themselves in their characters’ emotional journeys, creating a more authentic portrayal of the tension and tenderness between Elphaba and Glinda.

A New Vision for Wicked

Under the direction of Jon M. Chu, the film adaptation of Wicked promises to offer a fresh perspective on the beloved story while staying true to its roots. Chu, known for his work on Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights, has brought a vibrant and cinematic vision to the project. Both Erivo and Grande praised Chu’s direction, noting that his approach has allowed them to delve deeper into their characters and the rich world of Oz.

As excitement builds for the first part of the Wicked film, set to release in 2025, fans are eager to see how Erivo and Grande will bring their roles to life on screen. With a talented cast, visionary direction, and two iconic leads, the Wicked movie is shaping up to be a monumental cinematic event.

Stay tuned for more updates as we follow the journey of Wicked from stage to screen.