Ariana Grande channelled her loss into Wicked role

Ariana Grande, a well-known singer and actress, is taking on the role of Glinda in the upcoming film adaptation of Wicked. This film is based on the hugely popular stage musical that reimagines the story of the Wizard of Oz from the perspectives of two witches. In a recent interview with the BBC, Ariana revealed that she drew upon her own experiences of loss while working on the film. She stated, 'Losing someone you love is something we've all unfortunately had to experience - and sometimes we have the privilege to say goodbye and sometimes we don't. ' This heartfelt sentiment highlights how her personal feelings have influenced her portrayal of Glinda, a character who embodies both charm and complexity. In the film, Ariana's character, Glinda, forms a close friendship with Elphaba, played by Cynthia Erivo. The two actresses have been seen together in promotional materials, showcasing their contrasting looks: Elphaba dons a striking black outfit and a witch's hat, while Glinda is dressed in a vibrant pink gown. For Ariana, being part of Wicked feels like a homecoming, as she recalls watching the original Broadway show as a child. She expressed her deep connection to the music, saying, 'This music has always brought such comfort and now being able to spend time with it and be trusted with it is the privilege of a lifetime. ' This statement reflects her passion for the project and the significance of the music in her life. The bond between Ariana and Cynthia has been a focal point in the lead-up to the film's release. Ariana shared that from the moment they were cast, Cynthia welcomed her with open arms, and they spent hours together getting to know one another. 'We had a real conversation right off the bat about creating a safe space for each other and being honest with each other,' Ariana noted. This commitment to fostering a supportive environment speaks to the strong chemistry between the two actresses. In the narrative of Wicked, Glinda and Elphaba begin their journey as university students in the magical land of Oz, but their paths diverge as they become adversaries, with Glinda representing the Good Witch and Elphaba embodying the Wicked Witch of the West. Cynthia, who is 37 years old, has described her role as a 'real honour' and acknowledges the legacy left by the original stage performers, Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel, whom she refers to as 'the architects' of these iconic characters. She expressed her gratitude for being entrusted with such a significant role, stating, 'We've been handed something really special and it's a dream come true and truly big shoes to fill. ' The film has garnered mixed reviews from critics thus far. Some have praised it as a 'sugar-rush fantasy,' awarding it four stars and commending director Jon M Chu for his ability to transform the stage show into a cinematic experience. However, other reviews have been less favorable, with one critic describing the film as 'utterly exhausting and hopelessly miscast,' questioning the decision to split the Broadway show into two films. Another critic gave it three stars, expressing concerns about the film's visual style, noting that characters were often 'aggressively backlit. ' Despite the varied opinions, many fans are eagerly anticipating the film's release. Ariana Grande's portrayal of Glinda, who eventually becomes the Good Witch, is highly anticipated. In the film, she wears a stunning pink gown adorned with a crystal-embellished crown and wand. Cynthia Erivo, a talented actress and singer, plays Elphaba and has received accolades for her performances, including a Tony Award for her role in The Color Purple. Cynthia shared that she connected with Elphaba's struggles of feeling like an outsider, stating, 'Whether you feel 'other', or you feel different from everyone else, I think both of us have experience in those spaces that we have used to infuse our characters. ' This connection to their characters adds depth to their performances. Wicked has been a beloved musical since its debut on Broadway in 2003, becoming one of the highest-grossing shows in history. Its enduring popularity can be attributed to its relatable themes, such as Elphaba's journey of self-identity and Glinda's moral dilemmas. The film adaptation also features a star-studded cast, including Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible and Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard of Oz. Jeff Goldblum emphasized the importance of the film's central themes, particularly the celebration of diversity. He noted that the cast worked together with empathy and compassion, creating a collaborative atmosphere. Jonathan Bailey, who portrays Fiyero, echoed this sentiment, stating that everyone involved had their own 'Elphaba story,' highlighting the universal experience of feeling different. He remarked, 'In this film particularly, it's the superpower of individuality which becomes a power to harness. ' The musical has been a staple of both the West End and Broadway for over two decades, and director Jon M Chu believes that the themes of Wicked are more relevant now than ever. He reflected on a powerful line from Elphaba: 'something has changed within me, something's not the same. ' This line resonates with many people, especially during challenging times. Jon received the script during the pandemic, prompting him to consider how the film could reflect real-life experiences of searching for truth in a confusing world. He noted that the cast made themselves emotionally available during filming, allowing them to connect with their characters on a deeper level. 'Ariana, Cynthia and Jeff were talking about the real-world stakes of what we were putting into these characters,' he explained. 'It wasn't just about global politics, it was more personal than that. ' This commitment to authenticity adds a layer of depth to the film, making it a compelling adaptation of the beloved musical. As the release date approaches, both Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo are excited to share their performances in Wicked, and fans are eagerly awaiting the chance to see this iconic story come to life on the big screen.