Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande Forego Interviews at ‘Wicked: For Good’ New York Premiere
NEW YORK – Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande will not conduct interviews at the New York premiere of “Wicked: For Good” tonight at Lincoln center, Worldwide Pictures confirmed to media outlets just hours before the event. Erivo is reportedly unwell and has lost her voice, prompting Grande to join her in skipping press engagements in a show of solidarity. Both stars are still scheduled to appear for photos on the red carpet.
The decision comes amid a series of unexpected challenges during the film’s promotional tour. “Wicked: For Good,” the second installment of the blockbuster adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical, is set to release in theaters on November 21. The premiere cancellations raise questions about the promotional strategy for the highly anticipated sequel, wich follows directly after the first “Wicked” film earned over $746 million worldwide and garnered 10 Oscar nominations.
Universal reps informed members of the media that Erivo’s health issue prompted the change. Variety learned that Grande opted out of interviews to support her co-star.
The premiere is still expected to draw a notable crowd, wiht co-stars Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, Marissa Bode, Colman Domingo, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, and director Jon M. Chu all slated to attend.
This latest setback follows Grande’s inability to attend the first premiere in São Paulo, Brazil, on November 4 due to airplane mechanical issues. Last week, Grande was briefly grabbed by a fan who breached security at a Singapore event, with Erivo intervening to protect her co-star.
During a Variety conversation moderated by Clayton davis on Saturday, erivo acknowledged the difficulties surrounding the “Wicked” journey, stating, “We have come through some shit. I mean, fuck even this last week, let’s be honest.”
Erivo and Grande attended the Governors Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday night, where Erivo presented Debbie Allen’s honorary Oscar and Grande spoke with some members of the press, including Variety.
“Wicked: For Good” continues the story of Elphaba (Erivo) as she pursues her crusade against the Wizard (Goldblum), while Glinda (Grande) navigates her rising popularity and impending marriage to Fiyero (Bailey).
