Ethan Slater expressed his profound pride for everyone involved in the cast of Wicked, particularly for his girlfriend, Ariana Grande. During an exclusive interview with Us Weekly at the 40th Artios Awards in New York City on February 12, Slater stated, “I’m unbelievably proud of her. She worked so hard. She and Cynthia [Erivo] worked so unbelievably hard to not only make this movie and be the best versions of Glinda and Elphaba, but to promote it. They’re incredible. I’m unendingly proud.” His remarks highlight the relentless dedication and effort both actresses poured into their roles.
This comes on the heels of Wicked receiving multiple nominations for the upcoming 2025 Oscars. While Cynthia Erivo, 38, earned a nomination for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her portrayal of Elphaba, Grande, 31, secured recognition in the Best Actress in a Supporting Role category for her performance as Glinda. Slater conveyed an upbeat attitude about the awards season, saying, “I don’t know if there’s preparation. It’s just riding the wave. We’re all having fun… We’re all just rooting for each other because we get to still celebrate this thing that we loved to make. Whether we win or lose, it’s just a big celebration to be able to do the thing that we love so much. It’s really special.”
Outside film activities, Slater and Grande have been dating since July 2023. The singer, famously known for her hit single “Dangerous Woman,” has voiced her struggles with public scrutiny surrounding her relationships. However, Slater emphasized their focus on professional work. “I think we’re both able to just focus on the movie whenever these conversations come up,” he said, referring to their relationship amidst the public eye. “We’re talking about Wicked and focusing on the work we’ve all done and how proud we are of each other as actors. Everybody in the cast is a big family, so I think focusing on that is the way to move forward.”
The cast and crew are not only celebrating the success of Wicked but are also looking ahead to the film’s second installment, Wicked: For Good, which is slated for release in November. Although Slater was cautious about revealing too much, he teased that every character “gets to deepen their storyline” in the upcoming film. “[Director] Jon [M. Chu] once said that Wicked is all about what you do when you finally learn the truth,” Slater noted, hinting that characters will face significant development.
Slater expressed particular excitement about Boq’s relationship with Nessa, portrayed by Marissa Bode. “We get to spend a lot more time with the two of them and see how they develop, which is exciting for me,” he shared. As for Ariana and Erivo’s characters, Slater noted that audiences can expect even more compelling moments. “I think people have seen already how Ariana and Cynthia have given such emotional depth to their characters and Ari in particular; her comedy is so good, and yet there’s a real truth and grounding to it,” he remarked. “I think what might surprise people is how far that goes in such a beautiful way.”
At the Artios Awards, amidst celebrating his girlfriend’s achievements, Slater underscored the contributions of casting professionals in theater, film, and television. “I’m really excited to celebrate the people who get actors to the place where they can tell a story and the storytelling that casting directors do,” he stated. “It’s really exciting. I was thrilled to be invited. I’m just grateful to be here.” Slater’s sentiments reflect a strong sense of gratitude and admiration for the collaborative efforts that underpin successful film productions.
As Ariana Grande continues to shine in her performance in Wicked, it is evident that her dedication alongside the cast is being recognized and celebrated. The anticipation surrounding Wicked: For Good promises to deliver even more depth and exploration of beloved characters, making it an exciting time for fans and cast alike.
