The emotional press tour for Wicked continues as the film hits its digital release, showcasing the remarkable sisterhood between stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. The duo, who played Elphaba and Glinda in the movie, discussed their transformations and the impact of their characters.
In an interview with Variety, Grande revealed that she had to completely transform her image for the role, becoming unrecognizable from her pop star persona. She credited this transformation to the extensive work she put into finding her character’s voice, saying “I think that might stay” as her iconic Old Hollywood lilt. This sentiment was echoed by Erivo, who praised Grande’s dedication to her craft.
Erivo, playing Elphaba, spoke about the film’s representation of marginalized individuals and how it resonates with those who have felt othered. The scene at the Ozdust Ballroom, where Elphaba sticks out among others, is particularly poignant for those who’ve experienced bullying. Erivo shared a personal experience with her friend, saying “This moment gave me the opportunity to revisit, process, feel it again, and share it.”
The film’s opening sequence, where Grande’s character lights an effigy of her friend, is also significant. Grande explained that this scene reflects the importance of sisterhood and allyship in the face of adversity. The film’s message of belonging and acceptance has been a lifelong theme for Grande, who remembered discussing its significance with her loved ones when Wicked first hit Broadway.
Erivo emphasized the need for people to feel empowered as allies, stating “That’s the sort of thing that permeates.” As Wicked becomes available on digital, it’s clear that this powerful story will continue to resonate with audiences, inspiring them to think about their own roles in supporting and uplifting one another.
Source: https://gizmodo.com/ariana-grande-and-cynthia-erivo-know-what-glinda-and-elphaba-mean-to-wicked-fans-2000544879