Ariana Grande has been cast in Universal’s forthcoming big-screen adaptation of Broadway’s Wicked.
The 28-year-old singer will portray the giddy and glamorous Glinda the Good Witch, while actress Cynthia Erivo will tackle the role of the misunderstood Wicked Witch of the West, Elphaba.
‘Thank goodness,’ captioned Grande, who made the big reveal on Instagram with screengrabs of a Zoom call featuring her co-lead Erivo and the film’s director Jon M. Chu.
Wicked: Ariana Grande (seen in 2018) and Cynthia Erivo (seen in October) have been cast as the leads in Universal’s film adaptation of Wicked
The Nickelodeon alum’s caption was a direct reference to the Wicked song of the same name, which was originally performed by Kristin Chenoweth in the Broadway musical.
Idina Menzel famously portrayed Elphaba, a role that earned her the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical in 2004.
It was clearly an emotional moment as Ariana and Cynthia appeared to learn they’d landed the lead roles via their Zoom call with Chu.
Ariana could be seen covering her face with her hands, while a teary-eyed Cynthia held her hand over her mouth in shock.
Leading ladies: The 28-year-old singer will portray the giddy and glamorous Glinda the Good Witch, while actress Cynthia Erivo will tackle the role of the misunderstood Wicked Witch of the West, Elphaba
Big reveal: ‘Thank goodness,’ captioned Grande, who made the big reveal on Instagram
What really gave the gig away was a photo Ariana shared of a bouquet she’d received from Cynthia with a card that read: ‘Pink Goes Good With Green.’
The note continued: ‘Congratulations Miss A, the part was made for you. I look forward to sharing this musical journey with you. Love, Cynthia.’
Ariana had also sent Cynthia a pink and green floral arrangement – an homage to Glinda and Elphaba’s signature shades – with a heartfelt note.
‘Dear Cynthia, honored doesn’t even begin to cover it. I cannot wait to hug you. See you in Oz,’ it read.
Emotional: It was clearly an emotional moment as Ariana and Cynthia appeared to learn they’d landed the lead roles via their Zoom call with director Jon M. Chu
Teary: Ariana could be seen covering her face with her hands
Shocked: A teary-eyed Cynthia held her hand over her mouth in shock
Cynthia and Ariana are no strangers to musical theatre.
The 34-year-old Harriet star earned the Tony for Best Actress in a Musical back in 2016 for her portrayal of Celie in the Broadway revival of The Color Purple.
The role also scored her a Grammy and Emmy win.
Before becoming a Grammy Award-winning singer and one of Nickelodeon’s most beloved character actors, Ariana got her start on the stage at the age of 15 when she was cast in Broadway’s 13.
Wicked fans have been longing for a big screen version of the Tony Award-winning musical, which has been stalled for the past year due to the departure of then director Stephen Daldry.
‘Pink Goes Good With Green’: What really gave the gig away was a photo Ariana shared of a bouquet she’d received from Cynthia with a card that read: ‘Pink Goes Good With Green’
The originals: Glinda and Elphaba were famously played by Broadway legends Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel, respectively; see in 2004
It was announced in February 2021 that Jon M. Chu would be taking over the Director’s chair, with Wicked’s original composer and lyricist adapting the screenplay with screenwriter Winnie Holzman, as per Variety.
It has also been confirmed that renown Hollywood producer Marc Platt is producing the film after having produced the Broadway hit back in 2004.
The release date for Wicked: The Movie is currently unknown.
In wake of the big news, Ariana is set to appear on Thursday’s episode of the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon in New York City.
Ahead of the appearance, the Dangerous Woman singer teased her ultra glam appearance which boasted various shades of pink.
Appearance: In wake of the big news, Ariana is set to appear on Thursday’s episode of the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon in New York City
Glam: Ahead of the appearance, the Dangerous Woman singer teased her ultra glam appearance which boasted various shades of pink