Ariana Grande provided fans with a sneak peek at the musical world of Wicked. In a latest Instagram post, the singer, who will star as Glinda in the upcoming Universal film adaptation, shared a series of photos from rehearsals featuring the star-studded cast. Cynthia Erivo, who will play Elphaba, choreographer Will Loftis, music director Stephen Oremus and dancers Christopher Scott, Leah Hill and Comfort Fedoke were all tagged in the series of photos and videos shared on Ariana’s Instagram.
Bridgerton star Jonathan Bailey was recently announced to play the role of Fiyero, the main love interest in the upcoming musical. In the announcement, director Jon M. Chu said, “He’s perfect, they’re perfect. They’d be perfect together. Born to be forever….. I am too excited to pretend this hasn’t been happening. We have a Fiyero!!!! #JonathanBailey #Wicked”
The adaptation of the Tony-winning Broadway musical, which is based on the 1995 novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire, will differ slightly from the stage version, but the director promised to stay true to the heart of the story. Moreover, it was also recently announced that the adaptation would be split into two separate movies.
While talking about the decision of splitting the film into two parts, the director said, “With more space, we can tell the story of WICKED as it was meant to be told.” He then noted that ‘a bigger canvas’ would allow the creative team the space to include as many musical numbers and characters as possible. The first film will release in December 2024, with the second to come the following year.
While the Wicked adaptation is bringing in some new faces to star in its many beloved roles, a handful of the original Broadway team will be on hand for the film. Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman, who co-wrote the music and lyrics to the Broadway show, are adapting the screenplay, while Marc Platt will return as a producer.
When news broke that Grande and Erivo had been cast in the lead roles, support came rolling in from their Broadway predecessors. Kristin Chenoweth, who originated the role of Glinda onstage, wrote to Grande, whom she’s known since the singer was 10: “I’m not sure I’ve ever been this proud. From the very first day I met you … you were destined for this role.” She added that with Erivo by her side, Grande would be the “best Glinda.”
ALSO READ – Ariana Grande Shares Behind The Scenes Glimpse From ‘Wicked’ Movie