Ariana Grande channeled her loss into a Wicked role
Ariana Grande has revealed she drew on her personal experiences of loss while filming the upcoming movie adaptation of Wicked. Speaking to the BBC, Grande, 31, said, “Losing someone you love is something we’ve all unfortunately had to experience. Sometimes we have the privilege to say goodbye, and sometimes we don’t.”
Grande stars as Glinda Upland, later known as Glinda the Good Witch, in the film directed by Jon M. Chu. The two-time Grammy winner has faced personal tragedies, including the 2017 Manchester bombing at her concert and the 2018 death of her ex-partner, Mac Miller. Appearing in Wicked has been deeply meaningful for Grande, who described it as “a homecoming” since the original Broadway production was one of the first she ever saw. She called the opportunity to perform its music “the privilege of a lifetime.”
Grande also spoke about the close bond she formed with her co-star Cynthia Erivo, who plays Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West. From their first meeting, the pair committed to creating a supportive environment on set. “We laughed and cried and had a real conversation about being honest with each other,” Grande said.
Erivo, a Tony and Emmy-winning actress, expressed admiration for the original stage performers Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel, calling them “the architects” of their roles. Erivo, who has struggled with acceptance in her own life, drew on those experiences to embody Elphaba, a character ostracized for her green skin. “Whether you feel ‘other’ or different, we both have lived in those spaces,” she shared.
The star-studded cast also includes Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard of Oz, and Peter Dinklage voicing Doctor Dillamond. Bailey described the film’s themes of embracing individuality and unity as particularly relevant today, saying, “It’s the superpower of individuality that becomes something to harness.”
Director Jon M. Chu, known for Crazy Rich Asians, said he was drawn to the story’s themes of change and self-discovery, particularly during the pandemic. He praised the cast’s willingness to infuse their characters with personal emotions, adding, “This wasn’t just about global politics—it was personal for all of us.”
Wicked premieres soon, reimagining the beloved Broadway classic for a new generation.
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