Casting in Hollywood is often a competitive arena, and the film adaptation of Wicked, a beloved Broadway musical, was no exception. With the coveted roles of Elphaba and Glinda up for grabs, numerous actresses vied for these dream parts. Ultimately, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande were cast as Elphaba and Glinda, respectively, but recent remarks from Erivo have sparked intense debate among fans.
Recently, Erivo shared her thoughts on Grande’s casting in a joint interview with The New York Times. Her comments, though seemingly innocuous, have left fans divided, wondering if they carried an unexpected sting. Erivo remarked, “Absolutely, no surprise whatsoever. Thank goodness because it was not the two ladies that I was auditioning with.”
Her statement, while poised, has been interpreted by some as a slight towards the other actresses who auditioned, notably Amanda Seyfried, who was reportedly in the running for the role of Glinda. Social media lit up with reactions, fans dissecting Erivo’s words and questioning their intent, with comments suggesting it was “shade cloaked in elegance.”
The casting process for Glinda saw many talented actresses audition, including Dove Cameron, Taylor Louderman, and Reneé Rapp, as reported by Capital FM. Seyfried, in particular, expressed her dedication to the role in an interview with Backstage, revealing the lengths to which she went to audition amid a busy schedule. She said, “I have dreams that I’m still auditioning for ‘Wicked.’ Last summer while I was playing Elizabeth [on ‘The Dropout’], on the weekends I was auditioning in person to play Glinda in the movie version of ‘Wicked’ because I wanted it that much that I was like, ‘You know what? Yeah, I have to play the last scene of ‘The Dropout’ on Tuesday. I’ll give my Sunday to you.'”
Despite the fierce competition, the role of Glinda eventually went to Ariana Grande, known for her vocal prowess and acting skills, making her a fitting choice for the character. Erivo’s remarks, however, have stirred discussions, with fans choosing sides and questioning the true meaning behind her comments.
As the conversation continues, the impact of Erivo’s words highlights the nuanced nature of celebrity statements and how even polished remarks can spark controversy among fans. Whether Cynthia Erivo will clarify her comments or leave them open to interpretation remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: her remarks have added another layer of intrigue to the Wicked casting saga.
Fans looking to watch the film can catch Wicked on Peacock, where Erivo and Grande showcase their talents in the eagerly anticipated adaptation.
