Ariana Grande, the American singer-songwriter and actor, described her first day on the set of ‘Wicked’ alongside co-star Cynthia Erivo and director Jon M Chu as the most emotionally intense experience of her life, Variety reported.
Ariana Grande, adorned in a custom Loewe ball gown, conversed about her inaugural day filming ‘Wicked’ while elegantly traversing the Met Gala red carpet.
“My first day on set for ‘Wicked’ was the most emotional day of my life,” Grande recalled. “All I remember was holding hands with Cynthia (Erivo) and Jon (Chu) and crying. And (Jon) saying, ‘Welcome to ‘Wicked’.”
‘Wicked’ is a cinematic rendition of Winnie Holzman’s acclaimed 2003 Tony Award-winning musical, featuring Erivo and Grande in the roles of Elphaba and Glinda. The movie delves into the unconventional bond between the future Wicked Witch of the West and the Good Witch of the South, exploring the transformative impact of their encounter with the enigmatic Wizard of Oz.
Grande elaborated that the genuine chemistry between her and Erivo stemmed from the deep connection they formed while working together on set.
“She is truly my sister. We found in each other things we needed,” Grande explained. “I can’t wait for everyone to see it.”
Erivo swiftly joined Grande on the carpet, and when questioned about the moment they were most eager for fans to witness, the duo responded, “All of them.”
Grande commended Erivo’s portrayal in ‘Wicked’, expressing that she “will never forget a minute of filming with her.”
“She humanizes [Elphaba] in such an extraordinary way and brings her to life,” Grande added. “Her eyes, her hands, it’s otherworldly.”
Erivo reciprocated the acknowledgment to Grande, remarking that her “Wicked” co-star “wears her heart on her sleeve constantly.”
“She is so open and generous with her performance that it is so easy to be in a scene with her,” Erivo continued. “You look at her eyes and you know she is telling the truth.”
The first installment of Chu’s “Wicked” will premiere in theaters on November 27, Variety said.