Seeing Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande in action is a study in contrasts. Despite months of media saturation through social platforms and TV, their presence still mesmerizes. Their film, Wicked, has captivated fans during its promotional journey, with tears shed aplenty. In a New York City studio in early December, these two co-stars demonstrate the dynamic chemistry that brought their iconic roles to life.
Erivo, London-born and a veteran of theater, channels the stoicism and strength of her character, Elphaba, during a photoshoot. Yet, off-camera, she lightens the atmosphere. Watching her director Jon M. Chu strike a pose, she shouts playfully, “Give me Calvin Klein, Jon! C’mon, profile! Work!” This juxtaposition of focus and humor is quintessential Erivo. Chu responds to her playful demands by straightening up, adjusting his chin, and embodying the quintessential model stance.
Ariana Grande, the Boca Raton-born pop icon, brings a contrasting energy to the set. True to her musical roots, she harmonizes effortlessly to a playlist of classics ranging from Whitney Houston’s “Higher Love” to Mariah Carey’s “Always Be My Baby.” Her voice, subtly transformed for her role as Glinda (Galinda), retains the operatic undertones and crisp enunciation of her character. It’s a testament to her commitment to the role, as even her speaking voice exudes an old-Hollywood glamour reminiscent of a 1940s film star.
Grande reflects on this transformation, “It’s amazing how deeply we immersed ourselves in these characters. Certain mannerisms linger, and while some fade over time, others stick with you. That’s the beauty of it. You carry a piece of the character forever.” She jokes about still searching for her ‘Galinda’ eyebrows, a detail she hopes to keep for a while.
Wicked: From Stage to Screen
Wicked, with its global box office haul of over $600 million and four Golden Globe nominations, has become a cultural phenomenon akin to 2023’s Barbie. Like its stage predecessor, it explores themes of female empowerment, systemic injustice, and unlikely alliances. Based on Gregory Maguire’s novel, the story reimagines The Wizard of Oz through the lens of Elphaba, the misunderstood Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, her polar opposite. For fans of the Broadway original—which premiered in 2003 and defined a generation—the leap to film was fraught with high expectations. Producer Marc Platt’s hesitations reflected the challenge of adapting such an iconic story for a new medium.
The hiring of Jon M. Chu as director was a pivotal moment. Known for Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights, Chu’s musical instincts and cinematic flair brought the story to life in ways that honored its origins while reinvigorating it for modern audiences. “Jon has this innate musicality,” says Platt. “It’s not just about the notes but how the camera moves and how the story flows. You can’t teach that.”
Bonded by Magic
At the heart of Wicked’s success lies the extraordinary partnership between Erivo and Grande. From the outset, their collaboration was marked by mutual respect and a shared vision. Addressing rumors of a pay disparity, Grande reveals, “We went through our contracts together. We’d call each other, compare notes, and ensure everything was aligned. That’s rare in this industry.” Chu describes the duo as “co-CEOs of Wicked, Inc.”
Their bond extended beyond financial solidarity. “Her needs became my needs,” Grande says. Erivo adds, “And hers became mine.” This camaraderie carried them through the grueling production schedule, during which they leaned on each other emotionally and professionally.
Crafting Iconic Performances
Bringing Wicked to the screen demanded reinvention. For Erivo, this meant reinterpreting Elphaba’s signature number, “Defying Gravity.” Initially mimicking Idina Menzel’s Broadway version, she eventually found her own “guttural cry” that added depth and pain to the anthem. Grande, meanwhile, fought to keep her rendition of “Popular” true to Galinda’s character. Rejecting a modernized, hip-hop-infused track, she insisted, “Galinda is as vanilla as they come.” Her commitment to authenticity underscores the film’s balance between honoring tradition and forging new paths.
Themes That Resonate
Wicked has always been politically charged. Maguire’s novel critiqued propaganda during the Gulf War, while the Broadway adaptation’s debut coincided with the Iraq War. The film continues this legacy, addressing themes of dictatorship, misinformation, and allyship. Grande reflects on its relevance: “It’s a call to be better allies, to recognize that survival often hinges on friendship and support.”
For Erivo, the role of Elphaba carries personal significance. As one of the few Black women to portray the character, she felt the weight of representation. “There’s a long history behind me, and my responsibility is to respect it while making the role my own,” she says.
A Glimpse Into the Future
With a sequel, Wicked: For Good, on the horizon, the journey is far from over. The darker, more complex second act promises to delve deeper into the characters’ evolution. Grande teases, “It gets messy, but if audiences follow the emotions of this movie, they’ll walk with us into the next chapter.”
The Legacy of Wicked
As awards season approaches, Wicked is poised to leave its mark on Hollywood history. For Chu, the film represents the culmination of a lifelong dream. For Erivo, it’s another step toward breaking barriers. And for Grande, it’s a transformative experience that cements her status as a multifaceted artist.
In the end, Wicked is more than a film. It’s a celebration of resilience, friendship, and the power of storytelling. As Erivo puts it, “It reminds us that while change is never easy, it’s always worth fighting for.”
