Wicked’s Cynthia Erivo prepares for Elphaba: “I trained like a boxer.”

Wicked season is coming! In New Vanity fair profiles, Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande and the creative team gave readers a peek behind the emerald curtain ahead of the premiere of the long-awaited musical film.

In an interview with Vanity Fair’s Chris Murphy, Emmy, Grammy and Tony Award winner Erivo said she “honestly didn’t believe” she can be chosen for the role and was considered one of the last people invited to audition. But when she received the offer, she said, “I trained like I was a boxer.”

One of the show’s highlight numbers and signature songs, “Defying Gravity”, features Elphaba flying. It’s a moment on set that Grande says she’s going to “never” forget. “It had a harness that pulled and pushed and tugged and tugged at every nook and cranny,” the pop star explained. “I will literally never forget the way you sang while jumping on the chandelier above my head.”

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Both actresses also praised themselves on their profile, and Erivo, speaking about Grande, said: “I just have to say that I don’t think people realize that she has balls.” “I don’t think people realize how brilliant this person’s brain, voice and talent are.” Returning the favor, Grande said: “That’s my favorite female voice. When I watched you sing on the Oscars, I said, “I hope I can sing with her one day.”

The film is directed by Jon M. Chu (“In the Heights,” “Crazy Rich Asians”) and stars Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Marissa Bode, Bowen Yang, Bronwyn James and Keala Settle. supporting forged.

“Wicked: Part One” will hit theaters on Thanksgiving Day, and “Wicked: Part Two” will hit theaters in November 2025.