Wicked – Cynthia Erivo Clarifies Bond With Ariana Grande
Wicked – Cynthia Erivo has spoken candidly about the public curiosity surrounding her close friendship with Ariana Grande during the filming of Wicked, the much-anticipated cinematic adaptation directed by John M. Chu. Addressing speculation that surfaced during production and promotion of the film, Erivo described the attention as unusual and reaffirmed that their relationship is rooted in genuine friendship.
Addressing Public Speculation
In a recent interview, the 39-year-old actor reflected on how conversations about her connection with Grande began to circulate. According to Erivo, some observers appeared puzzled by the intensity of their bond, leading to unfounded assumptions.
She suggested that many people struggled to accept that two women could share a deep and visible friendship without romantic involvement. The speculation, she noted, ranged from suggestions that their closeness was exaggerated for publicity to claims that their relationship was something more than platonic.
Erivo explained that she had largely stayed silent on the matter until now, choosing instead to focus on her work. However, she felt it was important to address what she described as a “strange fascination” with their dynamic.
The Reality of Platonic Female Friendships
Erivo emphasized that meaningful friendships between women are common, even if they are not always prominently displayed in public settings. She believes society is still adjusting to the idea that two women can share emotional intimacy and professional chemistry without romantic implications.
According to her, audiences are not accustomed to seeing deep female friendships unfold so openly in front of cameras. When that connection is visible, it can sometimes invite misunderstanding. Erivo pointed out that such relationships are healthy and valuable, though they may not always be widely represented in mainstream entertainment narratives.
Grande, 32, has also spoken in the past about the strong connection she developed with her co-stars while working on the musical fantasy film.
Director Praises On-Screen Chemistry
Director John M. Chu has previously discussed the casting process and the chemistry between the lead actors. Speaking on a podcast during the awards circuit, he explained that there was no external pressure from the studio to select performers based on popularity or social media following.
Chu recalled that when Erivo auditioned, her vocal performance left an immediate impression. Similarly, when Grande stepped into the role of Glinda, he felt confident in the casting decision within days. He noted that what audiences are now witnessing on screen was evident early in production.
Their performances anchor the film’s narrative, which centers on the evolving friendship between two young women whose lives take dramatically different paths.
A New Take on a Classic Story
Wicked adapts the first act of the 2003 Broadway musical created by Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman. The stage production was itself inspired by Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel, which reimagined L. Frank Baum’s classic tale The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. The story offers an alternative perspective on the characters from the Land of Oz, exploring events that unfold before Dorothy’s arrival.
In the film, Erivo portrays Elphaba Thropp, who later becomes known as the Wicked Witch of the West. Grande plays Glinda Upland, who grows into Glinda the Good. The narrative traces their early years as classmates and examines how their friendship shapes their destinies.
The ensemble cast also includes Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, Peter Dinklage, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum, adding depth to the expansive fantasy setting.
As anticipation builds for the two-part adaptation, the conversation surrounding the film continues to extend beyond its musical numbers and visual spectacle. For Erivo, however, the focus remains on celebrating a story about identity, choice, and the enduring power of friendship.