Broadway star Cynthia Erivo and popstar Ariana Grande have been announced to play Elphaba and Glinda respectively in the upcoming Universal Pictures Wicked film adaptation.
Grande announced the news on her Instagram on November 4. She shared a series of pictures including a video call with director Jon M. Chu and Erivo, along with an arrangement of flowers from Erivo with a note reading “’Pink goes good with green.’ Congratulations Miss A, the part was made for you, I look forward to sharing this musical journey with you.”
Erivo similarly shared the announcement on her Instagram. She posted pictures of her on a video call with Grande and flowers sent to her with a note saying “Dear Cynthia, Honored doesn’t even begin to cover it. I cannot wait to hug you. See you in Oz.”
“Get ready for a match up like you’ve never seen!!!” Chu, who also directed this year’s In the Heights and has been attached to Wicked since February, tweeted. “In pink and green!!!”
Grande, a Grammy-nominated musician, is no stranger to musical theatre, having gotten her start in 2008’s 13 the Musical.
Erivo most recently was nominated for an Emmy Award for her portrayal of Aretha Franklin in National Geographic’s anthology series Genius: Aretha. She is also the recipient of Grammy, Tony and Daytime Emmy Award for her work in The Color Purple.
The long-awaited announcement was greeted with excitement by Broadway’s original Elphaba and Glinda.
“Congrats to two amazing women. May it change your lives for the better forever and ever as it has for us. So much love,” Idina Menzel shared.
“I’m not sure if I’ve ever been this proud. From the very first day I met you, you were destined for this role. Congratulations @ArianaGrande! The best Glinda you will be with Cynthia by your side 💗💚 I love you!! 🧚♀️👑🪄” Kristin Chenoweth posted.
A Wicked film adaptation has been in development since 2004. Composer Stephen Schwartz is adapting the screenplay with bookwriter Winnie Holzman. Original Broadway producers Marc Platt and David Stone are returning for the movie.
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