Current:Home > InvestAriana Grande, Ethan Slater and the Entire Wicked Cast Stun in New Photos -×
Ariana Grande, Ethan Slater and the Entire Wicked Cast Stun in New Photos
View
Date:2025-04-18 14:30:56
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! (5)
Related
- What were Tom Selleck's juicy final 'Blue Bloods' words in Reagan family
- Illinois sheriff, whose deputy killed Sonya Massey apologizes: ‘I offer up no excuses’
- Disney Store's new Halloween costumes include princesses, 'Inside Out 2' emotions
- Utility cuts natural gas service to landslide-stricken Southern California neighborhood
- 'Kraven the Hunter' spoilers! Let's dig into that twisty ending, supervillain reveal
- Taylor Swift says she is ‘in shock’ after 2 children died in an attack on a UK dance class
- ACOTAR TV Show Update Will Have Book Fans Feeling Thorny
- Coco Gauff ousted at Paris Olympics in third round match marred by controversial call
- Brianna LaPaglia Reveals The Meaning Behind Her "Chickenfry" Nickname
- The 25 Most Popular Amazon Items E! Readers Bought This Month: Viral Beauty Products & More
Ranking
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Hi Hi!
- Delaware gubernatorial candidate calls for investigation into primary rival’s campaign finances
- Cardinals land Erick Fedde, Tommy Pham in 3-way trade with Dodgers, White Sox
- Taylor Swift says she is ‘in shock’ after 2 children died in an attack on a UK dance class
- Could your smelly farts help science?
- Tom Daley’s Son Phoenix Makes a Splash While Interrupting Diver After Olympic Medal Win
- Stephen Nedoroscik pommel horse: Social media reacts to American gymnast's bronze medal-clinching routine
- Saoirse Ronan secretly married her 'Mary Queen of Scots' co-star Jack Lowden in Scotland
Recommendation
Have Dry, Sensitive Skin? You Need To Add These Gentle Skincare Products to Your Routine
Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's Daughter Sunday Rose, 16, Looks All Grown Up in Rare Red Carpet Photo
BMW, Chrysler, Ford, Maserati among 313K vehicles recalled: Check car recalls here
A Pretty Woman Reunion, Ben Affleck's Cold Feet and a Big Payday: Secrets About Runaway Bride Revealed
A South Texas lawmaker’s 15
US Soccer Stars Tobin Heath and Christen Press Confirm They've Been Dating for 8 Years
Federal appeals court rules against Missouri’s waiting period for ex-lawmakers to lobby
Red Sox beef up bullpen by adding RHP Lucas Sims from the Reds as trade deadline approaches