Photos Disclosure Internet - Ariana Grande
The announcement of Ariana Grande as Glinda in the upcoming Wicked movie adaptation was met with a mix of excitement and skepticism. Known for her love of the Wicked musical and its characters, Ariana seemed a natural fit to many. However, some fans expressed doubts, questioning whether she was right for the role.
In anticipation of the film’s release on November 21, Ariana opened up about this response. During an interview on the podcast Sentimental Man, she addressed the initial doubts and discussed the nervousness that came with taking on such an iconic part. “I understand those feelings and the preconceived ideas about my casting,” she shared, adding that, as a fan, she might have reacted the same way. “After songs like Side to Side, I get why some people would say, ‘I’ve waited years for this movie, is this the right choice?’”
For Ariana, the path to Glinda wasn’t just about her reputation but her passion for theater. She explained that she fully auditioned for the role, determined to earn her place in the cast. “It’s Wicked—one of the most beloved musicals. It’s a project you fight for, not one handed to you based on popularity,” she said, reflecting on her commitment to giving the character everything she had. For Ariana, playing Glinda is about proving herself beyond her past music and television fame.
Photo: @katiatemkin
A special detail noticed by fans at early screenings adds to this sense of coming full circle: Ariana chose to be credited as Ariana Grande-Butera, her full name. In a recent interview with The Streaming Service Podcast, she shared the thought behind the choice, explaining that it was the name she used as a child when she first watched Wicked on stage. “It felt right. I was honoring that 10-year-old version of myself,” she said. For Ariana, this name choice symbolizes a reconnection with her younger self and a way to bring her passion for the story into her performance.
Photo: @katiatemkin
With Wicked, Ariana invites audiences to see her in a new light, as she takes on one of her most beloved roles and, in her own words, “returns home” to her theater roots. By embracing both the fans’ doubts and her dedication to the project, she hopes her portrayal will honor Wicked and its legacy.
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