Ariana Grande recently made surprising revelations about the lengths she took to land the lead role of Glinda in the Wicked film adaptation. Specifically, Grande admitted she completely suppressed her vivacious popstar persona that fans adore to appease the musical’s creative team a major gamble that could backfire with her loyal follower base.
Wicked, the musical film adaptation, directed by Jon M. Chu, the fantasy film stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda. It follows the origins of the Wicked Witch of the West and her unlikely friendship with Glinda the Good. Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, and Jonathan Bailey co-star in the movie musical.
How Exactly Did Ariana Grande Shed Her Pop Identity for Wicked?
In an interview with Variety, Grande revealed “I had to really go all the way to strip that down” to transform into Glinda for Wicked. She explained that fully inhabiting this new musical realm meant ruthlessly “eras[ing] popstar Ari,” the glitzy fame image her fans closely associate with the singer.
Clearly, Ariana Grande deliberately dampened the qualities that rocketed her into superstardom soaring vocals, babydoll looks, and cheeky attitude to persuade Wicked’s producers she could blend into the theatrical fantasy as a legit stage actress.
Grande also talked about her upcoming refurbished songs which she wrote while she was “was very emotional.”
She described her musical journey as healing. She said, “as soon as the strike began, I came to New York and it all just kind of started pouring out.” She added, “When I was writing it was with no intention for the world to hear it. I wrote them when I was very emotional, some of them, and then some of them are more bops.”
While a strategic career shift, Grande’s decision risks bewildering and distancing devoted Arianators if her ideal pop flair vanishes within the musical’s subdued theatricality.
Does Ariana Grande Risk Losing Her Fanbase with This Image Change?
Indeed, Grande’s drastic overhaul in vocal style, appearance, and demeanor may alienate fans who cherish those signature pop elements that distinguish her celebrity persona.
Having supported Grande’s rise firsthand, Arianators expect soaring riffs, glamorous attire, and sassy confidence, the Ariana Grande musical they know and love. Instead, she is suppressing those innate qualities to presumably dress down and act more modestly.
Consequently, Grande took a gamble that her young pop-loving fans may dislike this muted portrayal after expecting her glittery persona to shine through and elevate the Wicked adaptation. Time will tell if her artistic evolution expands her talents or erodes her fan loyalty.
Does Ariana Grande’s Casting Confirm Wicked’s Blockbuster Potential?
Beyond fan blowback, Ariana Grande’s casting represents the Wicked film’s tactical fusion of Broadway veterans with mainstream young stars to attract wide interest.
Wicked producers smartly brought on venerable musical theater talents like Cynthia Erivo as Elpheba to handle challenging numbers with proper vocal prowess. Veterans like Ethan Slater and Jonathan Bailey further confirm theatrical integrity.
After starting production in late 2022, filming for Wicked was temporarily halted due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Principal photography eventually resumed in November 2023 and wrapped in January 2024. A sequel, Wicked Part Two, is already slated for release in 2025. The two films will adapt the popular Broadway stage musical’s epic story based on Gregory Maguire’s 1995 Oz-set novel.
In counterpoint, Grande functions as the pop culture draw for youthful crowds alongside names like Michelle Yeoh and Jeff Goldblum to lure in casual film fans. This diversity of backgrounds boosts Wicked’s shot at succeeding across mediums.
So even if Grande’s dramatic image change misaligns with expectations, her crossover niche in Wicked’s varied ensemble supports the title’s chances to reign both on Broadway and Hollywood. Certainly the grandest Ariana Grande musical undertaking yet!
Wicked is set to release on November 27, 2024, and Wicked Part Two is scheduled for November 26, 2025.
