Ariana Grande revealed to the BBC that she drew upon her own experiences of loss while filming Wicked.
“Losing a loved one is an experience that many of us have faced, often under varying circumstances. ‘Sometimes we have the privilege to say goodbye, and sometimes we don’t,’ she reflects.
At 31 years old, Grande takes on the role of Galinda Upland in the film, an adaptation of the immensely popular stage musical that delves into the Wizard of Oz universe through the eyes of two witches.
The two-time Grammy award winner has faced significant personal challenges in recent years, including the 2017 Manchester bombing during her concert and the subsequent death of her former partner, Mac Miller, a year later.
“We laughed and we cried”
She describes her role in Wicked, a production that holds a special place in her childhood memories as one of the first Broadway shows she attended, as a “homecoming”.
“This music has consistently provided immense comfort, and the opportunity to engage with it now, while entrusted with its essence, represents a remarkable privilege.”
As the film’s release approaches, the bond between Grande and her co-star Cynthia Erivo has garnered significant attention.
“Upon receiving our casting, Cynthia invited me to visit her. We spent five hours together, sharing laughter and tears as we deepened our understanding of one another.”
“We engaged in a meaningful dialogue from the outset, emphasising the importance of establishing a safe environment and fostering honesty between us,” she states.
In the Oz universe, Grande and Erivo’s characters start their journey as university students, eventually evolving into adversaries in their iconic roles as Glinda, the Good Witch and Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West.
Erivo, 37, has expressed that her role is “a real honour,” acknowledging the groundwork laid by the original stage performers Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel, whom she calls “the architects.”
“We have received an incredible opportunity that feels like a dream realised, and it certainly comes with significant expectations,” she remarked.
Erivo, recognised for her outstanding performance as Harriet Tubman in the 2019 biopic Harriet, earned a nomination for best actress at the Oscars. Additionally, she is a celebrated stage performer, having won a Tony Award in 2016 for her role in the Broadway adaptation of The Colour Purple.
She reports that she was able to leverage her personal experiences of grappling with acceptance to embody the character of Elphaba, who faces ostracism due to her green skin.
“Regardless of whether one feels ‘other’ or distinct from the crowd, both of us have navigated those realms, drawing from our experiences to enrich our characters,” she states.
Since its Broadway debut in 2003, Wicked has established itself as a significant player in the theatre industry, now ranking as the third-highest-grossing show globally, trailing only behind The Lion King and The Phantom of the Opera.
The enduring success of the production is often attributed to the relatability of its content, which resonates with audiences through Elphaba’s struggle with self-identity and Glinda’s challenges in making moral choices.
The film adaptation features notable performances, including Michelle Yeoh, known for her role in the James Bond franchise, portraying Madame Morrible. Additionally, Peter Dinklage, famed for his work in Game of Thrones, lends his voice to the character of Doctor Dillamond, an animated goat.
Oscar nominee Jeff Goldblum takes on the role of the Wizard of Oz, while British actor Jonathan Bailey, known for his recent acclaim in the Netflix series Bridgerton, portrays Fiyero.
Goldblum highlights that the film’s central themes, particularly the importance of embracing diversity, resonated deeply with the cast. He noted that they were able to unite in their efforts, fostering an environment of empathy, compassion, and love.
Bailey notes that his colleagues have their unique “Elphaba story,” emphasising that “at various points in our lives, we have felt different.”
He states, “In this film particularly, the superpower of individuality transforms into a power to harness.”
“He emphasises the significance of the current theme, noting that there is more that brings us together than separates us,” he adds.
For over two decades, the musical has become a staple of both the West End and Broadway. However, according to the film’s director, Jon M Chu, the story’s core themes resonate with greater significance today than ever.
“Elphaba remarks that something has shifted within me, that things are no longer as they were – and that particular line resonated deeply with me, as it encapsulates a universal sense of unease,” he states.
Chu, the director behind the 2018 hit Crazy Rich Asians, revealed that he received the script for the film during the pandemic. This timing prompted him to consider how the narrative could mirror his quest for truth amid uncertainty.
The cast reportedly made themselves “emotionally available” throughout the filming process, allowing them to connect with their characters personally.
“Ariana, Cynthia, and Jeff engaged in a discussion regarding the tangible implications of the character developments,” he notes.
It transcended mere global politics, delving into more personal realms.
“Each of us was navigating our challenges, and I believe they showed great generosity in bringing that into the characters of Glinda, Elphaba, and the Wizard,” he remarks.
