Ariana Grande acknowledges fans’ concerns about her role in 'Wicked': “I understand”

Ariana Grande recently spoke about the challenges and excitement she feels in playing Glinda in the upcoming 'Wicked' movie, directed by Jon M. Chu. As a lifelong fan of the Broadway musical, Grande shared that she understands why some fans were initially skeptical about her casting. She explained that she felt pressure to meet the expectations of 'Wicked' enthusiasts and wanted to prove herself beyond her pop star image.
On the 'Sentimental Men' podcast, Grande opened up about the journey of preparing for her role, including the intense audition process. She said she was thrilled that her part wasn’t just handed to her, but that she had to work for it. Grande admitted that stepping into a character from such a beloved musical was a “challenge,” as fans might associate her more with pop songs like “7 Rings” and “Side to Side” than with musical theater. She acknowledged that, from a fan’s perspective, it might have seemed odd or even disappointing to cast her in such a pivotal role. “If I were only looking at my pop music background,” she explained, “I probably would have had the same doubts.”
Grande, however, noted that people haven't seen the extensive preparation she went through to get ready for the part. Having trained in musical theater from a young age, she shared that 'Wicked' is very close to her heart, and she feels an immense responsibility to deliver a memorable performance. She hopes that her portrayal of Glinda will resonate with both longtime 'Wicked' fans and newcomers alike.
The 'Wicked' movie, adapted from the Tony-winning musical, centers on the friendship between Elphaba, played by Cynthia Erivo, and Glinda, played by Grande, as they navigate their differences at Shiz University and eventually encounter the Wizard of Oz, played by Jeff Goldblum. Directed by Jon M. Chu, *Wicked* will be released in two parts, with the first installment set to premiere on November 22, 2024, and the second a year later on November 21, 2025.
Grande’s openness about understanding fan concerns demonstrates her commitment to honoring the character of Glinda and connecting with 'Wicked' fans on a deeper level.

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