Cynthia Erivo Expresses Relief Over Casting of Ariana Grande

In a recent interview with *The New York Times*, Cynthia Erivo, the actress portraying Elphaba in the highly anticipated movie adaptation of *Wicked*, expressed her relief that Ariana Grande secured the role of Glinda. The two stars shared insights about the casting process, highlighting the competitive environment that surrounded the iconic parts.

When asked about their reactions to each other's casting, Erivo, who is 37, confidently stated there was "absolutely no surprise whatsoever." Grande, 31, echoed her sentiment with a grateful, “Thank God,” while Erivo made a pointed dig at the other contenders for the role of Oz's beloved Good Witch. “Thank goodness, because it was not the two ladies that I was auditioning with,” she remarked, leaving Grande visibly stunned.

Historical Lack of Representation

This light-hearted shade came amidst a backdrop of intense speculation over the casting choices for *Wicked*, which has attracted numerous notable actresses to audition, including Amanda Seyfried, Dove Cameron, and Reneé Rapp. With the film set to premiere in theaters on November 22, excitement is mounting among fans, but Erivo reflected on the historical lack of representation for Black women in the role of Elphaba.

“I didn’t think I would be considered for the role,” Erivo candidly admitted, noting that historically, Black actresses have faced significant barriers in auditioning for the character. “There’s only one woman I know who has done it on record on the West End,” she added, suggesting that perhaps the casting limitations stemmed from the era during which the musical was created.

Social Media Controversy

However, Erivo's promotional efforts for *Wicked* were not without controversy. After a fan-edited version of the movie poster went viral—obscuring her eyes—she took to Instagram to share her outrage. “This is the wildest, most offensive thing I have seen,” she expressed, emphasizing the importance of her portrayal and the visual connection with the audience.

Later on, Erivo acknowledged that while she is passionate about the project, she perhaps should have chosen a more personal means of venting her frustrations instead of using social media. “I probably should have called my friends, but it’s fine,” she explained during a red carpet appearance at the CFDA Fashion Awards.

Anticipation for *Wicked***

The casting of *Wicked* has already ignited various conversations around representation in Hollywood, with Erivo, Grande, and the entire production promising to deliver a refreshing take on the beloved story, ultimately inviting audiences back into the magical world of Oz. As fans gear up for release, the anticipation only continues to grow for what's sure to be a stunning cinematic experience.