There's good news for all the fans eagerly awaiting the cinematic adaptation of Broadway's beloved musical Wicked.
New looks from the much-anticipated film Wicked were debuted by Vanity Fair and showed stars Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jeff Goldblum, and others in character.
The photos showcased Ariana in her Glinda ensemble, while Cynthia embodied Elphaba at the Shiz University. Other pictures featured Jeff as The Wizard, and alongside him was Michelle Yeoh in her iteration of Madame Morrible, headmistress of Shiz University.
Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jeff Goldblum, and other Wicked stars were shown in character in the newly released photos
“Fans worldwide have waited over 20 years for the ‘Wicked’ musical to be adapted for the screen,” Vanity Fair wrote on Instagram. “Originally, director [Jon M. Chu] considered unknowns for the film’s iconic lead roles. Instead, the production landed on superstars.”
For about a decade, Ariana has been persuading director Jon to cast her for the role of Glinda.
“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 hitmaker told the outlet.
Ariana Grande was determined to get the part of Glinda and would arrive 30 minutes early for auditions
Image credits: Ariana Grande
When auditions finally began, Jon would be surprised to see Ariana showing up about half an hour early.
“Every time she came in to audition, she’d be there at least 30 minutes early,” Jon was quoted saying.
"I’d see her car circling. I’d be like, 'Who is that?'" the director said. "'That’s Ariana Grande. Why is she here so early?'"
Vocals, recorded live during Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo's respective takes, would be used in the film’s final version
Image credits: Ariana Grande
As Vanity Fair debuted the photos, both Ariana and Cynthia also shared the pictures on social media. They expressed gratitude, with the 7 Rings singer saying “thank you” in her caption.
Cynthia wrote, "Everytime we get a chance to share a little more of this experience, I’m excited and overwhelmed. Every single person in these frames is an exquisite human being."
While speaking to Vanity Fair, the film’s director revealed how Ariana and Cynthia sang live during the filming of the movie. Their vocals, recorded during their own respective takes, would be used in the film’s final version, which will hit the big screen in November this year. The second part of Wicked will be released in 2025.
"These are live vocals," Jon told the outlet. "When we were shooting it, those girls were like, 'F--- the pre-records. We’re going live.'"
The movie, declared by fans as the "most anticipated movie this year," will be released in November
Cynthia and Ariana also grew extremely close as friends during the making of the movie.
"I don't think people realize how brilliant this person's brain and voice and talent is," the Drift actress said about Ariana, who called her Wicked co-star her “favorite female voice.”
The release of the new photos left fans eagerly waiting for the movie’s November release.
“Most anticipated movie this year!!! Can’t wait to see you on the big screen!!” read one comment on Ariana’s post.
“November pls hurry up.... I'm begging!” read one, while another added, “Can November 27 be tomorrow please?”
“The sets are unreal omfg,” another added.