Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo couldn’t stop laughing as they recalled the chaotic filming of “Defying Gravity” on the set of “Wicked.” During a Q&A session with Variety at the Directors Guild of America on Monday, the actresses shared a side of filmmaking that involves a mix of humor and mishap. Ariana explained, “Long story short, we were filming ‘Defying Gravity.’ And two things happened right before that shot.”
She elaborated, “We had broken for lunch, and for some reason, that lunch had so many onions in it, and Cynthia was like having a heart attack. Also, the steamer had burnt my butt cheek.” The comedic duo kept their audience engaged as Cynthia added, “So just know next time that you see the broom shot… I’m suffering through smelling so many onions.” Ariana chimed in with a laugh, “And my a*** cheek was burning.” She continued, “Next time you see that shot, picture there was an ice pack in between takes and onions that she was suffering from. And that’s our story.”
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo have built a strong rapport, which brings an enjoyable element to their performances. In a separate moment of reflection, Cynthia spoke of an emotional experience when she discovered her nomination for Best Actress at the Oscars. The announcement coincided with her flight from London to Utah for the Sundance Film Festival last month. “I look over [at my phone] and nothing’s happening. It’s sort of like 1:45 or something,” she recalled. “This is a nightmare, this is a nightmare!” Cynthia described the moment as overwhelming, especially when her phone lit up just before 2 a.m., startling her awake.
Both actresses received accolades for their roles in “Wicked,” and their behind-the-scenes stories not only showcase their humorous chemistry but also highlight the challenges faced during production, reminding fans that even in the world of glamour, moments of chaos and laughter often reign supreme.
