New Behind-The-Scenes Look At Wicked
From live vocals to production and casting, a new behind-the-scenes look at Wicked gives fans insight into the upcoming film.
Bringing the beloved Broadway classic to the big screen, Jon M. Chu’s Wicked tells the story of two young witches who become unlikely friends as their stories unfold in the lead-up to the events of 1939’s The Wizard of Oz. Coming this November, the prequel stars The Outsider’s Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, and pop legend Ariana Grande as Glinda, the Good Witch.
In an interview with Vanity Fair, the actresses and director spill new details about the much-anticipated musical adaptation.
One of the most exciting revelations of the interview is that the film will feature live vocal performances from Erivo and Grande. “When we were shooting it, those girls were like, ‘F*ck the pre-records. We’re going live,’” Chu explains.
LIVE VOCALS IN WICKED OH PLEASE I AM NOT READY
— kieran (@raeifyed) March 21, 2024
live vocals for wicked need it to be november nowwww pic.twitter.com/5jASW3LJJM
— milen (@remsideboob) March 21, 2024
While recording “Defying Gravity,” Erivo gave a breathtaking live performance sailing through the sky. Grande shares, “She had a harness pulling and pushing and yanking and tugging on every nook and cranny that there is.” Despite the challenges, the actress managed to belt out high F’s in midair.
Similarly, the Crazy Rich Asians director also comments on his choice to avoid relying on CGI. “I was like, ‘I want to do it the way I dreamed about it as a kid when I watched Hook,’” Chu admits. “Behind the scenes, Steven Spielberg was on a dock with a giant pirate ship. I’m like, ‘If this is my one opportunity to do this, I want to do that,’” the director continues.
Additionally, Chu and Grande discuss the long process it’s taken to finally bring the Broadway hit to life onscreen.
Chu first saw the musical during its pre-tryouts in San Francisco. Now directing the story over 20 years later, he reflects, “I remember thinking, Oh, wow. It feels like a movie already. Or maybe two movies, to give the story room to fly?”
The “yes, and?” singer recalls “stalking” producer Marc Platt for the role. “It was literally 10 years of being like, ‘Knock, knock, any developments? Is there an audition coming this year, or next year? I would like to start preparing today,’” the singer confesses.
Chu also remembers Grande’s eagerness, revealing, “Every time she came in to audition, she’d be there at least 30 minutes early.” The director explains, “I’d see her car circling. I’d be like, ‘Who is that?’ ‘That’s Ariana Grande.’ ‘Why is she here so early?’”
i just think ariana grande as glinda for wicked pic.twitter.com/QNPPLeW8TB
— georgina (@nfrloves) March 21, 2024
In the end, however, the pop star’s dedication to getting the part paid off. In addition to Grande as Glinda, the film features many other talented actors. Bridgerton star Jonathan Bailey portrays Prince Fiyero and SpongeBob SquarePants’ Ethan Slater uses his comedic talents to take on the role of Boq.
THE WICKED CAST? OMG pic.twitter.com/LaastxvRqB
— ella (@ellaaimagine) March 21, 2024
Having previously worked with Chu on Crazy Rich Asians, Michelle Yeoh also joins the cast as headmistress of Shiz, Madame Morrible. Chu remembers Yeoh’s hesitancy to accept the role, stating, “She’s like, ‘Jon, I can’t sing—but I would do anything for you.’”
The interview ends with Erivo and Grande commending each other’s talents. “I don’t think people realize how brilliant this person’s brain and voice and talent is,” Erivo shares about her co-star. Grande pays the compliment right back, confessing, “She’s my favorite female voice. When I was watching you sing at the Oscars, I said, ‘I hope someday I get to sing with her.’”
Wicked arrives in theaters this November, with the second part following next year. Fans can follow the film’s official Instagram account to stay up-to-date and watch the trailer for the film below.
