Discover Amanda Seyfried’s unforgettable Wicked audition alongside Cynthia Erivo. Learn about the casting process, film adaptation details, and why this Broadway phenomenon is becoming 2024’s most anticipated movie.
Amanda Seyfried (left) auditioned for the role of Glinda, while Cynthia Erivo (right) secured the role of Elphaba in the upcoming “Wicked” film adaptation. In the high-stakes world of Hollywood casting, some moments transcend the typical audition experience. For Amanda Seyfried, singing alongside Cynthia Erivo during her tryout for the role of Glinda in the upcoming “Wicked” movie adaptation was exactly that kind of transformative moment—even if she ultimately didn’t get the part.
“I got to sing with Cynthia, and that was a moment in itself,” Seyfried revealed during a recent appearance on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast. The actress, known for her roles in “Mamma Mia!” and “Les Misérables,” opened up about the emotional experience of auditioning for one of Broadway’s most beloved characters.
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Wicked Movie: The Journey from Broadway to Hollywood
The wicked movie adaptation has been one of the most anticipated film projects in recent years, with fans of the Broadway musical eagerly awaiting news about casting, production, and release dates. After years of development, the film is finally becoming a reality under the direction of Jon M. Chu, known for “Crazy Rich Asians” and “In the Heights.”
What makes this adaptation particularly noteworthy is the decision to split the story into two parts:
| Film | Release Date | Main Cast |
|---|---|---|
| Wicked: Part One | November 22, 2024 | Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba), Ariana Grande (Glinda), Jeff Goldblum (The Wizard), Michelle Yeoh (Madame Morrible) |
| Wicked: For Good (Part Two) | November 21, 2025 | Same principal cast |
This two-part approach allows the filmmakers to fully explore the rich storytelling and complex character relationships that have made the stage musical a global phenomenon since its Broadway debut in 2003.
“The wicked film adaptation is taking the time to honor what fans love about the musical while expanding the world in ways only cinema can,” explained director Jon M. Chu in a recent interview. “We couldn’t tell this story properly in just one film.”
Amanda Seyfried Wicked Audition: Singing with the Future Elphaba
For Seyfried, the audition process was both challenging and rewarding. She was simultaneously filming “The Dropout,” the Hulu series that would eventually earn her an Emmy Award, while preparing for her “Wicked” audition.
“I’ve never felt that solid in my voice than I did at the auditions,” Seyfried shared, reflecting on her growth as a vocalist since her role in 2012’s “Les Misérables.” “I worked so hard on it. I was like, ‘You know what? I’m going to give it my all and see what happens.’”
The opportunity to sing with Cynthia Erivo, who had already been cast as Elphaba, was particularly meaningful. Erivo, a Tony, Emmy, and Grammy winner, is known for her powerful vocals and commanding stage presence.
“Cynthia Erivo’s wicked performance is going to be extraordinary,” Seyfried predicted. “Just being in the room with her during auditions, you could feel how perfectly she embodies Elphaba.”
Despite her strong audition, the role of Glinda ultimately went to pop superstar Ariana Grande, whose casting alongside Erivo created an immediate buzz among fans of both the musical and the performers.
Wicked Movie Cast: How the Stars Were Chosen
The wicked movie cast represents a blend of Broadway veterans, film stars, and recording artists, bringing together different worlds of entertainment for this ambitious adaptation.
Director Jon M. Chu and the casting team faced the daunting task of finding performers who could not only handle the vocal demands of Stephen Schwartz’s challenging score but also bring fresh interpretations to characters that have been beloved on stage for two decades.
The Final Cast Lineup
| Character | Actor | Known For |
|---|---|---|
| Elphaba | Cynthia Erivo | “The Color Purple” (Tony Award), “Harriet” |
| Glinda | Ariana Grande | Grammy-winning recording artist, “Victorious” |
| The Wizard | Jeff Goldblum | “Jurassic Park,” “Thor: Ragnarok” |
| Madame Morrible | Michelle Yeoh | “Everything Everywhere All at Once” (Oscar winner) |
| Fiyero | Jonathan Bailey | “Bridgerton,” “Fellow Travelers” |
| Boq | Ethan Slater | “SpongeBob SquarePants” (Tony nominee) |
| Nessarose | Marissa Bode | Film debut |
| Doctor Dillamond | Peter Dinklage | “Game of Thrones” |
“The wicked cast brings together extraordinary talents from across the entertainment spectrum,” noted producer Marc Platt. “Each performer brings something unique to these iconic roles.”
From Broadway Phenomenon to Hollywood Blockbuster
The journey of “Wicked” from page to stage to screen spans decades. Based on Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West,” the musical reimagines the world of Oz from the perspective of Elphaba, the misunderstood green-skinned woman who becomes the Wicked Witch of the West.
Since opening on Broadway in 2003, the stage production has:
- Performed over 7,486 shows
- Expanded to 16 countries and 100+ cities
- Generated more than $5 billion in global ticket sales
- Become the fourth-longest-running Broadway show in history
The wicked movie adaptation aims to capture the magic that has made the stage version so successful while taking advantage of the cinematic medium to expand the world and deepen the storytelling.
“What works on stage doesn’t always translate directly to film,” explained screenwriter Winnie Holzman, who also wrote the book for the Broadway musical. “We’ve been able to explore aspects of the story that weren’t possible in a theatrical setting.”
The Cultural Impact of Wicked
Few musicals have had the cultural impact of “Wicked.” The show has redefined traditional musical theater storytelling, resonated strongly with the LGBTQ+ community, and transformed perceptions of the Wicked Witch character from “The Wizard of Oz.”
The story’s themes of acceptance, friendship, and standing up against injustice have connected with audiences worldwide, creating a passionate fan base that spans generations.
“Wicked speaks to anyone who has ever felt different or misunderstood,” said Stephen Schwartz, the composer and lyricist behind the musical’s beloved songs like “Defying Gravity” and “For Good.” “That’s why it continues to resonate nearly 20 years after its Broadway premiere.”
The film adaptation is poised to introduce these themes to an even wider audience, potentially creating a new generation of fans while satisfying those who have loved the musical for years.
The Anticipation Builds for a Magical Adaptation
As the release date for the first part of the “Wicked” film adaptation approaches, anticipation continues to build among fans of the Broadway musical and moviegoers alike. The combination of a beloved story, a star-studded cast, and an innovative director has created a perfect storm of excitement.
For Amanda Seyfried, while she may not be part of the final cast, her audition experience represents the magic that happens when artists come together to create something meaningful. “Sometimes the journey is the reward,” she reflected. “Getting to be part of that process, even briefly, was special.”
As for audiences, the wait for the wicked movie continues, but if the Broadway production’s success is any indication, that wait will be well worth it when Elphaba and Glinda finally defy gravity on the big screen in November 2024.
FAQs
When will the Wicked movie be released?
The Wicked movie will be released in two parts. Part One will premiere on November 22, 2024, while Part Two (titled “Wicked: For Good”) will follow on November 21, 2025.
Who is in the cast of the Wicked movie?
The wicked movie cast includes Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, Ariana Grande as Glinda, Jeff Goldblum as The Wizard, Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, and Peter Dinklage as Doctor Dillamond.
Why is the Wicked movie being split into two parts?
The decision to split the film into two parts allows the filmmakers to fully explore the rich storytelling and complex character relationships without cutting significant portions of the beloved musical. Director Jon M. Chu has stated that the story was too expansive to tell in a single film.
Did Amanda Seyfried almost play Glinda in the Wicked movie?
Yes, Amanda Seyfried auditioned for the role of Glinda and got far enough in the process to sing with Cynthia Erivo (who plays Elphaba). Despite what she described as one of her strongest vocal auditions, the role ultimately went to Ariana Grande.
Will the Wicked movie include all the songs from the Broadway show?
While the complete soundtrack hasn’t been officially announced, the filmmakers have indicated that all the beloved songs from the Broadway production will be included, with the possibility of new material written specifically for the film adaptation.
How does the Wicked movie relate to The Wizard of Oz?
Wicked serves as a prequel to “The Wizard of Oz,” telling the backstory of the Wicked Witch of the West (Elphaba) and Glinda the Good Witch. It explores their unlikely friendship at school and the events that led to Elphaba being labeled as “wicked.”
Has the Wicked movie finished filming?
Yes, principal photography for both parts of the Wicked movie has been completed. The films are currently in post-production, with visual effects, editing, and sound mixing underway.
Are you excited about the upcoming “Wicked” movie adaptation? Which casting choice are you most looking forward to seeing? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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