Ariana Grande is about to step into some pretty iconic slippers as she takes on the role of Glinda the Good Witch in Jon M. Chu’s highly anticipated film adaptation of “Wicked.” Grande, a lifelong fan of the Tony-winning musical, opened up recently about her journey to landing the role and the challenges of moving beyond her pop star persona to earn her place in a beloved Broadway classic.
On the “Sentimental Men” podcast, Grande shared how her excitement and deep respect for the role drove her to prove she was more than capable of embodying Glinda, acknowledging that her pop hits like “7 Rings” and “Side to Side” don’t exactly scream “Broadway.”
For Grande, this wasn’t just another role; it was a personal dream years in the making. She explained that getting cast as Glinda was no walk in the park but a process of proving herself, not only to the casting team but also to fans who might have questioned her fit for the role.
“It has to be earned,” Grande said, emphasizing that a role of this magnitude isn’t just given because of her pop stardom. She viewed the audition as an opportunity to reframe people’s perceptions of her, showing that her skills go beyond the world of pop music.
Grande’s commitment to her craft shouldn’t come as a surprise to those who know her background. Though many of her fans know her as a chart-topping pop star, Grande has deep roots in musical theater, having started performing at the age of eight. Despite this background, Grande admitted she felt the weight of fan expectations and the “preconceived notions” people might have about her portrayal of Glinda.
She candidly said that, as a fan herself, she might have doubted the casting decision too if she were only familiar with her pop music hits. “Going off of “Side to Side,” I probably would’ve said the same thing,” Grande admitted, empathizing with fans who are protective of the musical’s legacy.
“Wicked” follows the unlikely friendship between two iconic characters, Elphaba (played by Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda, as they meet at Shiz University and eventually cross paths with the Wizard of Oz (played by Jeff Goldblum).
The story reimagines the Wizard of Oz world, showing that heroes and villains are often shaped by circumstances, not born. Fans are eagerly awaiting this film, which promises to be one of the most ambitious musicals ever made, with an $80 million budget aimed at dazzling audiences worldwide.
The film also marks a major milestone for “Wicked,” which has captivated audiences on Broadway since 2003. As she steps into Glinda’s shoes, Grande isn’t just fulfilling a personal dream; she’s taking on a legacy that Broadway and musical theater fans hold close to their hearts.
And while she may have initially felt pressure to deliver, Grande’s reverence for the character and dedication to the role suggests she’s ready to shine in a whole new spotlight.
