wicked Movie Auditions: Stars Who Vied for Roles Before Final Casting

Before Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo were confirmed as Glinda and Elphaba in the highly anticipated film adaptation of Wicked, a constellation of stars auditioned for various roles. The journey to Oz was paved with numerous talented actors and singers hoping to secure a part in this iconic musical’s cinematic rendition.

The Road to Oz: Celebrities Who Auditioned for Wicked

The Wicked movie, directed by Jon M. Chu, has been a long-awaited project, drawing interest from many performers. Here’s a glimpse at some of the celebrities who threw their hats into the ring for a chance to star in the film [1]:

1. Amanda Seyfried: While juggling her demanding role in The Dropout, Seyfried dedicated her weekends to auditioning for Glinda. She described the experience to Backstage in 2022 as pushing herself to the limit.
2. Dove Cameron: Known for her role in Descendants, Cameron has openly expressed her long-held aspiration to play glinda.
3. Renée Rapp: the Mean Girls star also auditioned for Glinda and showed support for Ariana Grande’s casting, stating in 2022 that “ariana’s gonna be f—— amazing.”
4. Cristin Milioti: The Penguin actress, a Grammy winner for Once, took a shot at Elphaba’s challenging high note but admitted on The Tonight Show in 2024 that she didn’t quiet nail it during her audition.
5. Phylicia Pearl Mpasi: The Color Purple actor shared in a 2024 YouTube video that Elphaba’s story resonated with her own life experiences, and she lauded Erivo’s casting as “stellar.”
6. Nick Jonas: On the Armchair Expert podcast, Nick Jonas revealed that he auditioned for Fiyero, alongside his brother Joe.
7. Joe Jonas: Joe Jonas confirmed his pursuit of the same role, Fiyero, supporting his brother during the audition process, stating, “It has to be one of us.”
8. Ryan McCartan: A former Broadway fiyero, McCartan mentioned on his podcast, The Stage Door, in 2024, “Jon M.Chu, you didn’t cast me… but no hard feelings.”
9. Spencer Sutherland: Sutherland received a “double callback” for Fiyero and admitted on the Zach Sang Show in 2023 that he was surprised to have progressed so far in the audition process.

Did You No? Ariana Grande initially auditioned for the role of Elphaba before being chosen to play Glinda.

The Chosen Ones: Final Casting Decisions

ultimately, the roles were secured by a talented trio:

• Ariana Grande: Although she initially auditioned for Elphaba, Grande’s portrayal of Glinda won over director jon M. chu.
• Cynthia Erivo: Erivo’s audition for Elphaba was so compelling that chu stated there was “no denying it” upon her arrival.
• Jonathan Bailey: Bailey was selected for the role of Fiyero, triumphing over numerous singers and actors who had competed for the part.

Pro Tip: Securing a role in a major film adaptation frequently enough involves multiple auditions and callbacks, showcasing the competitive nature of the entertainment industry.

wicked: A Cultural Phenomenon

Wicked, the Broadway musical, has captivated audiences since its debut in 2003, becoming a cultural phenomenon with its compelling story and memorable music. The musical is based on the 1995 Gregory Maguire novel, “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the west,” which reimagines the story of the witches of Oz [2]. The original Broadway production won three Tony Awards, including Best Scenic Design, Best Costume Design, and Best Actress in a Musical for Idina Menzel [3].

Which actor’s audition surprised you the most? What are your predictions for the film adaptation?

Share your thoughts in the comments below and subscribe to World Today News for more entertainment updates!