Who Auditioned for the Wicked Movie but Didn’t Make the Cut?
With the iconic Broadway musical Wicked heading to the big screen, excitement is building for this highly anticipated film adaptation.
Ariana Grande will star as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, bringing the story of the “good witch” and the “misunderstood young woman” to life in a whole new way.
But before these two stars were cast, many well-known actors tried their hand at landing roles in the Wicked movie. Here’s a look at the actors and actresses who auditioned but didn’t make the final cast.
Key Takeaways
- Who Auditioned for Wicked Movie: Discover which well-known actors, including Dove Cameron and Amanda Seyfried, auditioned for this film but didn’t make it.
- Roles of Glinda and Elphaba: Learn about those who hoped to play Glinda and Elphaba and their reactions to the casting news.
- Casting Decisions and Auditions: Find out how some famous faces gave their all for roles in this much-anticipated movie.
Dove Cameron Auditioned for Glinda
Dove Cameron auditioned for the role of Glinda and called it her “dream role.” Dove, who has a unique connection to Broadway’s Wicked as she worked with Kristin Chenoweth, the original Glinda, poured her heart into the audition. She mentioned that it was one of the “longest processes” she’d ever been a part of, going through multiple call-backs, making it even harder when she didn’t land the part.
Despite her disappointment, Dove was nothing but supportive of Ariana Grande, describing her as a “living icon” and a “dear friend.” Dove also shared that she couldn’t wait to see Ariana bring her own magic to Glinda on the big screen.
Reneé Rapp Auditioned for Glinda
Reneé Rapp, a well-known Broadway actress from Mean Girls, also auditioned for Glinda. While she didn’t make the cut, Reneé has been vocal in her support for Ariana Grande’s casting. During an interview on Watch What Happens Live, Reneé spoke highly of Ariana, saying, “She’s going to be amazing,” and expressed her genuine excitement to see her bring Glinda to life. Reneé’s background in theatre and her natural talent made her a strong candidate, but Ariana ultimately took on the role.
Amanda Seyfried Auditioned for Glinda
Amanda Seyfried also auditioned for Glinda and was highly committed to the process. Despite filming The Dropout at the time, Amanda managed to find time to audition for the role, even focusing on strengthening her singing skills to prepare. Amanda later shared that she worked hard to balance her acting commitments, hoping her dedication would pay off.
In a conversation with Backstage, Amanda explained how she pushed herself to improve vocally, saying she was proud of how much she’d grown as a singer. Although she didn’t get the part, Amanda saw the experience as an important step forward in her musical career.
Taylor Louderman Auditioned for Glinda
Taylor Louderman, best known for her role as Regina George in Mean Girls on Broadway, also auditioned for Glinda. In a heartfelt post on Instagram, Taylor expressed her emotional connection to the role and the disappointment that came with not making it to the final cast. She admitted that balancing the excitement with the possibility of not landing the role was difficult, especially for such a meaningful part.
Despite the outcome, Taylor remained enthusiastic about the Wicked movie and the opportunity to audition for such a widely anticipated project.
Ryan McCartan Auditioned for Fiyero
Ryan McCartan, who has previously played Fiyero on Broadway, auditioned again for the same role in the Wicked movie. After watching the official trailer, Ryan spoke to fans about his audition and shared his mixed feelings of disappointment and gratitude. While the role ultimately went to Jonathan Bailey from Bridgerton, Ryan appreciated the chance to try for a character he already knew well from his time on stage.
Nick and Joe Jonas Auditioned for an Unknown Role
In a surprising twist, both Nick and Joe Jonas auditioned for an undisclosed role in Wicked. During an interview, Nick mentioned that he and Joe often support each other in auditions, and this time, they both hoped that at least one of them would make it into the cast. Although they didn’t land roles in the movie, the brothers expressed their excitement for the film and admiration for the cast.
Spencer Sutherland Auditioned for Fiyero
Spencer Sutherland, a singer with a strong background in music, auditioned for Fiyero and received a call-back, boosting his hopes of landing the part. Spencer spoke about how excited he was for the opportunity and mentioned that being called back twice made him think he had a solid chance. While he ultimately wasn’t cast, Spencer described the auditioning experience as a rewarding moment in his career.
Who Did Make It into the Wicked Movie Cast?
While many talented actors auditioned, only a few secured roles in the Wicked movie. The confirmed cast includes Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, bringing their unique talents to these iconic characters from the beloved Broadway musical. Directed by Jon M. Chu, the film is set to capture the magic, drama, and friendship at Shiz University as it follows Elphaba and Glinda through their journey in Oz.
Here’s a look at the confirmed Wicked movie cast:
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Ariana Grande | Glinda |
| Cynthia Erivo | Elphaba |
| Jonathan Bailey | Fiyero |
| Jeff Goldblum | The Wonderful Wizard of Oz |
| Michelle Yeoh | Madame Morrible |
| Ethan Slater | Boq |
| Marissa Bode | Nessarose |
About the Cast of the Wicked Movie
The Wicked movie cast features a mix of powerhouse voices, seasoned actors, and rising stars who bring their unique talents to these iconic roles. Directed by Jon M. Chu and with a stellar cast confirmed, this film adaptation is set to be an exciting take on the beloved Broadway musical. Here’s a closer look at each member of the cast and what they’ll bring to the world of Wicked.
Ariana Grande as Glinda
Ariana Grande steps into the role of Glinda, the charming and popular good witch. Known for her impressive vocal range, Ariana’s musical background will add depth and sparkle to Glinda’s character, balancing her comedic moments with a genuine warmth. Fans of the Broadway musical can expect Ariana to bring Glinda’s famous songs, like “Popular,” to life with her unique style and vocal ability.
Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba
Taking on the role of Elphaba, Cynthia Erivo brings a wealth of talent to the misunderstood young woman with green skin. Cynthia is an acclaimed actress and singer with multiple awards, including a Tony, Grammy, and Emmy, which makes her a brilliant choice for Elphaba. Known for her powerhouse performances, Cynthia is expected to deliver a memorable interpretation of Elphaba’s journey and iconic songs, especially “Defying Gravity.”
Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero
Jonathan Bailey, best known for his role in Bridgerton, joins the Wicked cast as Fiyero. Bringing his charisma and stage experience to the role, Jonathan will portray the confident and charming character who catches the interest of both Glinda and Elphaba. Fans are eager to see how he interprets Fiyero’s character, particularly in his complex relationship with Elphaba.
Jeff Goldblum as The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
Jeff Goldblum plays the role of The Wonderful Wizard, a character with a mysterious and often manipulative side. Jeff’s unique presence and comedic timing will likely bring an intriguing mix of humour and authority to the wizard, making him a fascinating addition to the cast. His casting adds an unexpected touch to this film adaptation, and audiences are excited to see how he interprets the role.
Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible
Michelle Yeoh stars as Madame Morrible, the powerful and somewhat menacing headmistress of Shiz University who plays a pivotal role in Elphaba’s life. Michelle’s background as an award-winning actress gives her the gravitas needed for this complex character, who is both a mentor and an antagonist in the story. Her portrayal of Madame Morrible is expected to add sophistication and depth to the Wicked movie.
Ethan Slater as Boq
Playing Boq is Ethan Slater, who rose to fame for his performance in SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical. In the Wicked movie, he’ll bring the role of Boq, a Munchkin who becomes infatuated with Glinda but finds himself caught in the emotional twists of the story. Ethan’s stage background and vibrant energy make him a fitting choice for this character.
Marissa Bode as Nessarose
Marissa Bode takes on the role of Nessarose, Elphaba’s younger sister, who has a significant impact on the story’s emotional depth. Marissa’s casting brings a fresh face to the Wicked movie and adds to the diversity and talent of the whole cast. Fans of the musical are looking forward to seeing how she portrays Nessarose’s character, which brings a human element to Elphaba’s background and her struggles.
Overall
The audition process for the Wicked movie attracted a huge number of talented actors and actresses, all eager to bring the characters of Elphaba, Glinda, and Fiyero to life on screen. From Broadway stars to Hollywood favourites, the casting team had a tough job in narrowing down the choices.
While Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo ultimately won the roles of Glinda and Elphaba, those who auditioned showcased their dedication to this magical world. With the Wicked movie expected to hit theatres soon, fans can look forward to watching some of Broadway’s best-known characters as they’ve never been seen before.
