Original Wicked Broadway star Idina Menzel reacted to the news that Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo have been cast in the film adaptation. Menzel starred as Elphaba alongside fellow Tony-winner Kristin Chenoweth, who originated the role of Glinda, in the inaugural Broadway production of Wicked. After opening in 2003, the show's success swiftly defied gravity with talks of a movie version happening as soon as 2004. While the musical continues to draw crowds on the great white way over 18 years later, it has yet to hit the big screen.
Through the years, Wicked movie news has teased fans of the popular show. After several failed attempts, Universal Studios finally announced that Wicked would hit theaters on December 22, 2021. Of course, the coronavirus pandemic had other plans, forcing the production to once again recalibrate. Things got more exciting in February 2021, when In the Heights movie musical director Jon M. Chu signed on to direct. The casting process seems to have been the most difficult for the film, with countless Glinda and Elphaba hopefuls throwing their pointy hats in the ring. It was then announced on November 4 that Grande and Erivo were cast as Glinda and Elphaba.
Menzel took to Twitter to react to the buzzy news. Quoting Chu's now-viral tweet of Grande and Erivo finding out they'd secured the roles, the powerhouse offered her congratulations to the two actresses. Menzel also said that she hopes the role changes their lives just as it has done for her. Check out her post below:
The Frozen leading lady also excitedly shared the photo to her Instagram with the same caption. Her sentiment echoes one of the themes pulsing through the show which is women empowering women. Alluding to the way the musical changed her and Chenoweth's lives, she sent nothing but love. Of course, the scenario is very different for Grande and Erivo, who are already megastars in their own right. Chenoweth has yet to respond, but will likely send her support as well. The talent is known for her kindness and is good friends with her Hairspray Live! co-star Grande.
Hearing from the creatives that originally built the show may help to minimize the online trolls. Wicked fans have been taking to social media to voice their opinion on the film adaption for years, and will likely continue to. It's interesting because the show's long global legacy has seen countless Glinda and Elphaba's waltz across the stage. Unfortunately, the medium of film brings more scrutiny than that of theater. The film's casting was never going to please anyone unless it was Menzel and Chenoweth themselves, who have both aged out of the parts. Fans can only hope the pair will have some special cameos.
Source: Idina Menzel