Amanda Seyfried, known for her iconic roles in Mamma Mia!, Les Misérables, and Mean Girls, has addressed the rumors surrounding her viral Wicked video. When a video of the actor singing “Popular” from the iconic musical went viral, people online immediately speculated that it was her audition video for the role of Glinda in the highly anticipated film adaptation. The buzz around her potential audition video grew rapidly, as Seyfrienf has often expressed her love for the musical, and was one of the many fan-cast choices circulating on the internet before the official announcement that Ariana Grande-Butera would be bringing life to the bubbly character.

The actor has since revealed the context of the video and shared her thoughts on Grande’s casting. Speaking to People, Seyfried revealed that the viral video was not part of the official Wicked audition process. Instead, it was more of a casual moment taken out of context. This is what she said:

I think it was during COVID. I was doing a Lancôme shoot in Long Island City. Elizabeth Stewart [was] my stylist. I was not auditioning for Wicked yet, but I knew it was like coming up, so I was just f—— around really, and I was like, ‘This dress is so Glinda.’ And Elizabeth was like, ‘Do it.’ And then she posted at some point.

While Seyfried noted that she adores her stylist, she said that “maybe it would be better if it hadn’t been posted,” because “it was truly just a fun, like, [behind-the-scenes] moment of my Lancôme shoot.” However, the star confirmed that she did, in fact, later audition for the role of Glinda. Seyfried also said that she thought the film turned out “fantastic,” adding that her kids are big fans of the film. Read her response below:

I went hard for that, for sure. And it was a very long process. And everything happens the way it’s meant to.

It’s an extravaganza, which is what she [Grande] does really well. And [my kids] have been playing the soundtrack nonstop. And everything is as it’s meant to be for sure.

It Was A Stiff Competition

Seyfried’s previous comments about her love for Wicked and Glinda are examples of just how coveted this role was among performers. Dove Cameron, Reneé Rapp, and Taylor Louderman are some artists who also went after the role. Although Seyfried missed out on portraying the Good Witch, she had only positive comments about Grande-Butera, who landed the role. Grande-Butera’s Wicked casting as Glinda also brought some early controversy online, with some people questioning if the singer could embody the bubbly witch. Seyfried’s recognition of her talent highlights her respect for the project and direction that the film took under Jon M. Chu’s helm.

Grande-Butera brought her own flair to Glinda and proved her critics wrong, receiving tremendous acclaim for her performance in the Wicked adaptation. Critics and audiences alike have praised her ability to balance Glinda’s bubbly charm with the emotional depth needed for such a nuanced character, proving that she has not just her vocal prowess but also acting versatility. Her performance has garnered accolades, including her first Golden Globes nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture. Seyfried’s appreciation for Grande reflects a greater recognition of Wicked‘s colossal impact, with both leads, Grande-Butera and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, elevating their characters with heartfelt performances.

It Shows The Impact Of The Broadway Musical

Seyfried’s remarks about Wicked highlight the musical’s ongoing cultural significance and provide insight into the audition process for the sought-out role. The comments about the long audition process resonate with Grande-Butera, who previously revealed she prepared for the audition for six months and auditioned for the role five times. Seyfried’s acknowledgment of Grande’s exceptional portrayal speaks to the immense expectations surrounding the iconic character. While her comments may reflect a bittersweet recognition of her missed opportunity, they also demonstrate her respect for Grande-Butera’s talent and dedication to all those involved in the film adaptation of the musical.

With its all-star cast, stunning visuals, and expanded story, Wicked continues to captivate audiences and critics. It is safe to say that the legacy of the Good Witch is seemingly in safe hands with Grande-Butera’s career-defining portrayal of Glinda.

Source: People

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Wicked

Wicked adapts the Broadway musical into a two-part film, following the unlikely friendship between Elphaba, born with green skin, and Glinda, a popular aristocrat, in the Land of Oz. As they navigate their contrasting paths, they evolve into Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.

Release Date

November 22, 2024

Runtime

160 Minutes

Cast

Cynthia Erivo
, Ariana Grande
, Michelle Yeoh
, Jeff Goldblum
, Jonathan Bailey
, Ethan Slater
, Marissa Bode
, Bowen Yang
, Bronwyn James
, Keala Settle
, Peter Dinklage
, Aaron Teoh
, Grecia De la Paz
, Colin Michael Carmichael
, Adam James
, Andy Nyman
, Courtney Mae-Briggs
, Sharon D. Clarke
, Jenna Boyd

Character(s)

Elphaba Thropp
, Glinda Upland
, Madame Morrible
, The Wizard
, Fiyero Tigelaar
, Boq
, Nessarose Thropp
, Pfannee
, ShenShen
, Miss Coddle
, Doctor Dillamond (voice)
, Avaric Tenmeadows
, Gilligan
, Professor Nikidik
, Glinda’s Father
, Governor Frexspar Thropp
, Melena Thropp
, The Midwife

Director

Jon M. Chu

Writers

Gregory Maguire
, Winnie Holzman
, Dana Fox
, L. Frank Baum

Studio(s)

Marc Platt Productions

Distributor(s)

Universal Pictures

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