Casting in Hollywood is a battleground for talent, and when it came to Wicked, a film adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical, the stakes were even higher. The roles of Elphaba and Glinda were dream parts for many actresses, but only Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande made the cut.
Recently, Erivo, who played Elphaba made comments about Grande’s casting as Glinda. We’re not sure if she intended to shade anyone, but the fans are still divided. So, was it a harmless remark or a sly dig?
Cynthia Erivo’s remarks on Glinda: A compliment or a jab?
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande’s public appearances have been the talk of the town ever since they started their promotional campaign for Wicked. The two have shared a mutual admiration for each other, but Erivo’s comments during a joint interview with The New York Times have raised quite a few eyebrows. When she was asked about Grande’s casting, the Tony winner said:
Absolutely, no surprise whatsoever. Thank goodness because it was not the two ladies that I was auditioning with.
While one could sense Erivo’s signature poise in the remark, fans couldn’t help but wonder if her words had a hint of shade directed at the other actresses who auditioned for the role of Glinda, particularly Amanda Seyfried, who auditioned alongside her.
Grande’s sympathetic reaction has only added to the intrigue, and though Erivo has complimented the pop sensation, netizens are calling our the latter for seemingly putting down other performers.
Fans have taken to social media to dissect the remark, and most are convinced that this is “shade.” Regardless of the actress’ intent, the comment has now sparked a conversation on how even the most polished statements can carry unintended weight.
Amanda Seyfried and other actresses who auditioned for Glinda in Wicked
The casting process for Glinda was not a walk in the park, and many actresses auditioned for the role such as Dove Cameron, Taylor Louderman, and Reneé Rapp (via Capital FM). As we know already, Amanda Seyfried was also one of them, and in an interview with Backstage, she shared how much the role meant to her.
I have dreams that I’m still auditioning for “Wicked.” Last summer while I was playing Elizabeth [on “The Dropout”], on the weekends I was auditioning in person to play Glinda in the movie version of “Wicked”—because I wanted it that much that I was like, “You know what?
Yeah, I have to play the last scene of ‘The Dropout’ on Tuesday. I’ll give my Sunday to you.” I literally bent over backwards while playing the hardest role of my life. But I think it also taught me how far I’ve come as a singer, which I really wanted to prove.
Despite this fierce competition, the part eventually went to Ariana Grande, who had the vocal prowess and the acting chops to be Glinda. Cynthia Erivo’s comments about her casting have stirred the pot, and fans have already picked sides, so will the actress ever clarify what she truly meant or leave it to our assumptions?
You can watch Wicked on Peacock.
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