Wicked’s Ariana Grande Addresses Fan Concerns for Her Casting as Glinda

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Wicked’s Ariana Grande Addresses Fan Concerns for Her Casting as Glinda

While fans eagerly await the theatrical premiere of Wicked, the upcoming movie has already attracted several controversies before its release date. An aspect that seems to trouble the potential viewers of Wicked is the casting of pop sensation Ariana Grande in the leading role of Glinda the Good Witch. In a recent discussion, the popular singer acknowledged such concerns and also shared her opinion on the matter.

Ariana Grande says she understands fan concerns around her Wicked casting

The 31-year-old artist stated that she is well aware of fans’ qualms regarding her inclusion in the big-screen adaptation of the acclaimed musical. She also admitted that she completely understands their skepticism.

Ariana Grande expressed her views on her casting as Glinda in Wicked during her recent appearance on the Sentimental Men podcast. While addressing the ongoing chatter about her role, she conveyed, “I felt a little bit of the initial nervousness or the sort of preconceived notions about what I might be able to deliver or not deliver, or why I would be wrong..”

Grande also empathized with the audience’s aforementioned reservations, claiming that she would’ve reacted similarly if a singer was cast for such an iconic part. “Going off of ‘Side to Side,’ I probably would’ve said the same thing,” she said. “I probably would’ve said, ‘Why the f***? Kill me. I’ve waited 20 years for this. Kill me.’ I would’ve said that as a fan from the outside, knowing of only ‘7 Rings.’ I’d say, ‘Well, that’s bulls***.’ So, you know, I get it.”

While many may doubt Ariana Grande’s acting chops prior to her appearance as Glinda in Wicked, the two-time Grammy winner has already mustered much experience in front of the camera. After kickstarting her career on the stage with 2008’s Broadway musical 13, Grande received much praise for her role as Cat Valentine in the Nickelodeon sitcom Victorious and its spin-off series, Sam & Cat.

Directed by Jon Chu, Wicked will be coming out on the big screens on November 22, 2024.