Ariana Grande has shared how her personal experiences of loss influenced her portrayal of Galinda Upland in the upcoming Wicked film adaptation.
Speaking to the BBC, the 31-year-old pop star reflected on the universal experience of losing someone we love, a theme that resonates deeply with her following the 2017 Manchester bombing and the death of her ex-partner Mac Miller in 2018.
“Losing someone you love is something we’ve all unfortunately had to experience,” she said, adding that the role of Galinda feels like “a homecoming” to her, as Wicked was one of the first Broadway shows she saw as a child.
Grande, known for her powerful vocals and emotional depth, spoke about how the music of Wicked has always brought her comfort, and now, being entrusted with the iconic role, feels like “the privilege of a lifetime.”
Her connection to the material is evident, especially in light of her own tragic losses.
Her close relationship with co-star Cynthia Erivo has also been a focal point during the film’s production. The two actors bonded early on, with Grande revealing that their connection was instant.
“From the moment we were cast, Cynthia invited me over, and we hung out for five hours,” she said. “We had a real conversation about creating a safe space for each other and being honest.”
Their characters, Galinda and Elphaba, begin their journey as university students before eventually becoming the Good Witch and the Wicked Witch of the West.
Erivo, 37, has expressed the honor she feels portraying Elphaba, acknowledging the significant legacy of the role created by Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel.
The stage production of Wicked has been a cultural phenomenon since its Broadway debut in 2003, with Erivo adding that playing Elphaba comes with “big shoes to fill.”
Critics have offered mixed reviews for the Wicked film. While some, like The Guardian‘s Peter Bradshaw and Empire‘s Helen O’Hara, praised the vibrant fantasy and director Jon M. Chu’s bold vision, others, such as The Telegraph‘s Robbie Collin, found the film “exhausting” and “miscast.”
Despite this, many agree that Erivo’s performance is a standout, with Screen Daily’s Fionnuala Halligan calling it “doggedly faithful” and highlighting Erivo’s exceptional portrayal.
Erivo herself, who has earned accolades for her stage performances and her role in Harriet, also spoke about how her personal experiences shaped her portrayal of Elphaba, particularly her own struggles with feeling “other” or different.
She shared that both she and Grande were able to draw from their own lives to bring authenticity to their roles.
The film features a star-studded cast, including Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard, and Jonathan Bailey, who plays Fiyero.
Goldblum emphasized the importance of embracing diversity, a theme that runs through the film, while Bailey highlighted the empowering message of individuality, saying that each member of the cast has their own “Elphaba story.”
Director Jon M. Chu, who helmed Crazy Rich Asians, noted that the central themes of Wicked—embracing difference and finding power in individuality—are more relevant than ever.
He explained that the emotional availability of the cast helped create a film that not only reflects the fantastical world of Oz but also resonates deeply with real-world experiences.
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