The wait is over. The time has come. The world of movie magic is finally expanding, and it is with no other phenomenal project than the long-awaited musical fantasy filmWicked. Based on thewidely celebrated Broadway musicalof the same name, which itself is based on Gregory Maguire’s novel,Wickedfollows Elphaba as she starts her journey of turning into the Wicked Witch of the West with an unexpected companion. Her classmate Glinda, who initially isn’t too fond of Elphaba, becomes a close friend, and they both significantly impact each other’s lives.
Wickedis one of the biggest movies of2024, but even though its release day marks such a special time of the year, it’s not necessarily the story of Glinda and Elphaba that is the topic of conversation. Much rather in focus upon the release of the musical fantasy movie are the Glinda and Elphaba actors, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. Emotional interviews have pushed the two further into the spotlight, but let’s take a closer look at what is actually going on.
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Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo Get Emotional During Wicked Interviews
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo have beentheface of social media, it seems, as they are traveling the world to promote their upcoming musical fantasy film, and preparing to share it with the people. It is no secret that sometimes interview questions can become repetitive or straight-up bland, butsomething about the magic ofWickedmanages to draw in equally magical questions, and Cynthia and Ariana are always keen to answer them (or stare into each other’s eyes).
There are times though, and frankly, it is more often than not, where a question just hits the right spot and invites a waterfall of emotions into the room.The twoWickedstars have been going viral, referring to themselves as cry babies, as they have reached a point where they choked up during (what feels like) every single interview they have been giving. Whether it isabout Gelphie shippers, their own experiences, personal or work-related hurdles, or the way they helped create a safe place for people all around the world to be themselves and feel supported as well as accepted, Grande and Erivo have shed tears about many different things.
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Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo Are Being Mocked
Grande and Erivo crying during interviews has become the foundation for amyriad of viral memesonline.Many social media users are making it a point to mock the twoWickedstars for the way they express their emotions, as can be seen in the post of a TikTok user down below.
While it is anything but surprising that some people find Ariana and Cynthia’s behavior during theWickedpromotion entertaining and use it as a means to ridicule the two, there is a valid question that arises. It wasn’t long ago when cancel-culture had a new target. Extremely questionable behavior duringIt Ends With Usinterviewsruined Blake Lively’s reputation, as well as an offendinginterview with Kjersti Flaaon Lively’s 2016 movie,Café Society.Lively certainly deserved the backlash, since she revealed baffling insensitivity towards domestic violence and body-shaming Flaa during their interview, but as for the case of theWickedstars, the same can’t be said.
The argument regarding Lively’s almost career-ending drama was that she had no empathy and acted as though she was superior. People, fans, wanted her to be more humble, justifiably so, but it does seem a bit contradicting from this point in time.Here are Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, humble as one can be, showing their immense gratitude for being a part of such a meaningful movie asWicked, being vulnerable to connect with others, but it seems to be the wrong move yet again. It’s hypocritical, to say the least, and it shows that women are either too harsh or too soft in the eyes of society. The double standard is tiring, but Erivo and Grande’s dedication to proving that showing their emotions is normal and important is refreshing.
The Underlying Message in Wicked
The underlying message in theGlickedbox office winnerWickedis all about inclusivity and the importance of letting your true self out.It highlights the desire to fit in and the tendency to put on a front to be accepted, but it evolves into celebrating one’s true self and eventually experiencing acceptance. The bond between Glinda and Elphaba is special, and their love for each other is unique. Even though prejudice and the portrayal of otherness leads to the belief that these two will never be friends, they unexpectedly bond and their friendship enters magical spheres, which sheds light on the uniqueness of each person.The world ofWickedtackles the issue of judging someone for their appearance and behavior, but the beauty of tolerance and acceptance breaks through the surface in full force.
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Both Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo have experienced the harshness of prejudice and discrimination, respectively. Grande has faced judgment and negative criticism from a young age due to her career starting as a child star, and has been under scrutiny for her appearance ever since. Erivo, as a queer, black woman, has been confronted with the discrimination of being seen as ‘other,’ and constantly feeling the societal pressure to prove herself.They both know the pain of not fitting in, but have simultaneously experienced the raw beauty, freedom, and acceptance during the time of filming. TheWickedmovie not only gave them a massive stage to be themselves but also invites the audience to find comfort in expressing their truth.
Grande and Erivo continue to channel Glinda and Elphaba even after they long wrapped filmingWickedand fans finally get to enjoy their exuberant performances.It is exactly why they allow themselves to get emotional, because theirWickedjourney has significantly marked them in a long-lasting way. In aninterview with Jake’s Takes aboutWicked, Cynthia says that Ariana taught her softness, while she taught her co-star how to be strong. The important message of real friendship and deep trust connecting two unique characters, also connects Ariana and Cynthia in real life.
They spent three years together during which they had to work hard and overcome various obstacles such as strikes and the pandemic, but here they are. They made it across the finish line, and they delivered an astounding piece of magical art. Emotional moments are natural, normal, and needed in a time like this.Embracing and celebrating women who are openly vulnerable and supportive of each other should be the message taken fromWickedas well as from Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande’s interviews.Wickedis available to watch in theaters.
