Current:Home > InvestAriana Grande, Ethan Slater and the Entire Wicked Cast Stun in New Photos -GrowthProspect
Ariana Grande, Ethan Slater and the Entire Wicked Cast Stun in New Photos
View
Date:2025-04-15 13:34:48
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! (54379)
Related
- Don't let hackers fool you with a 'scam
- Hurricane Milton's power pulls roof off of Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays
- Where will northern lights be visible in the US? Incoming solar storm to unleash auroras
- Mountain Dew VooDew 2024: What is the soft drink's Halloween mystery flavor?
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
- Pharrell, Lewis Hamilton and A$AP Rocky headline Met Gala 2025 co-chairs
- Photos show conditions deteriorating as Hurricane Milton hits Florida
- Crane collapses into building where Tampa Bay Times is located: Watch damage from Milton
- Google unveils a quantum chip. Could it help unlock the universe's deepest secrets?
- TikTok sued by 13 states and DC, accused of harming younger users
Ranking
- Intel's stock did something it hasn't done since 2022
- When will Aaron Jones return? Latest injury updates on Vikings RB
- Selena Gomez Seemingly Includes Nod to Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce in Only Murders in the Building
- Meet TikToker Lt. Dan: The Man Riding Out Hurricane Milton on His Boat
- Tarte Shape Tape Concealer Sells Once Every 4 Seconds: Get 50% Off Before It's Gone
- Taylor Swift makes multi-million dollar donation to Hurricane Milton, Helene relief
- Seven NFL coaches on hot seat: Who's on notice after Jets fired Robert Saleh?
- RHONY's Brynn Whitfield Debuts Dramatic Hair Transformation That Made Her Cry
Recommendation
Sarah J. Maas books explained: How to read 'ACOTAR,' 'Throne of Glass' in order.
Opinion: The quarterback transfer reality: You must win now in big-money college football world
TikTok star now charged with murder in therapists' death: 'A violent physical altercation'
TikTok sued by 13 states and DC, accused of harming younger users
Who's hosting 'Saturday Night Live' tonight? Musical guest, how to watch Dec. 14 episode
The Best Deals You Can Still Shop After October Prime Day 2024
Opinion: College leaders have no idea how to handle transgender athlete issues
A former DEA agent is convicted of protecting drug traffickers