Was it connections or something more that secured Ariana Grande the role of Glinda in the highly anticipated fantasy film Wicked? Director Jon M. Chu is now pulling back the curtain to reveal the real reason behind Grande’s casting-and it’s not what many might think.
Despite her global fame, Grande's path to the role wasn’t paved by her celebrity status. Instead, she earned her spot through an open casting process, competing against numerous talented contenders, including Gigi Hadid, Lindsay Lohan, and Anna Kendrick.
“I think one of the most overlooked facts of the Wicked movie casting was that EVERYONE HAD to audition. NO straight offers & they showed up! It was incredibly humbling to witness these actors spill their guts on the floor for this movie,” Chu revealed in a statement with Just Jared.
“Cynthia and Ariana EARNED their roles and brought our little audition room to tears multiple times throughout the process. I can’t believe I had the privilege of witnessing the birth of their Elphaba and Galinda. And one day you will too!”
Chu’s words make it clear that neither Grande nor her co-star Cynthia Erivo, who will play Elphaba, were handed their roles on a silver platter.
