It seems like Wicked fever is well and truly holding space all over the world, with the movie raking in record-breaking numbers for musical adaptations. And with stellar performances from Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, it’s hard to imagine any other celebrities were ever considered for the roles.
But that just wouldn’t be how Hollywood works! Naturally, there were plenty of — equally noteworthy — names who auditioned for the roles of Glinda and Elphaba, before landing on Grande and Erivo respectively.
And though there are rumours floating around about an alleged pay gap between the main cast, what’s not a rumour are some of the names of people who were considered — including big names like Reneé Rapp, and even Lady Gaga.
So which other big names were in the running for major roles in Wicked: Part One? And why weren’t they chosen for the role? Let’s find out.
All the celebrities considered for roles in Wicked
Reneé Rapp
That’s right. The Mean Girls star who brought the “gay vibes” to Regina George was one of the stars in the running for the role of Glinda the Good Witch.
However, she was “so excited” for Ariana to take on the role, telling Watch What Happens Live that “she’s gonna be fucking awesome”.
Lady Gaga
Another massive actress considered for a leading role was Lady Gaga, who was originally considered as Erivo’s Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the East.
According to Page Six, though Gaga never auditioned, she was the first pick for the role when Stephen Daldry was directing the project.
Amanda Seyfried
Everybody’s favourite Sophie from Mamma Mia, Amanda Seyfried, shared that she auditioned for Glinda in the early days, and still has dreams about her audition.
Seyfriend told Backstage: “Last summer while I was playing Elizabeth [another role], on the weekends I was auditioning in person to play Glinda in the movie version of Wicked — because I wanted it that much that I was like, ‘You know what? Yeah, I have to play the last scene of The Dropout on Tuesday. I’ll give my Sunday to you.’”
Dove Cameron
Speaking to The Wrap, Disney alum Dove Cameron shared that the audition process for Wicked was one of the longest she’s ever been through.
Footage of her audition for the role of Glinda can be found here, where Cameron performed “How Can I Lose You?” by Annie Golden.
Taylor Louderman
Another Regina George also auditioned for Wicked’s Glinda, as Taylor Louderman revealed to her Instagram.
“Why did I even audition or think I had a chance?!” she posted upon learning that Grande had scored the role.
Shawn Mendes
In the same Page Six article that alleged Gaga had been in the talks for the role of Elphaba, Shawn Mendes was revealed as being contemplated for the role of love-interest Fiyero. This role ultimately went to English actor Johnathan Bailey.
Nick and Joe Jonas
Mendes wasn’t the only pop star considered for the role it seems, as both Nick and Joe Jonas auditioned for the role.
Admitting they auditioned for the Wicked role on a podcast, Nick Jonas said: “We always say we want someone with the last name Jonas to win. That’s our goal.”
They did not achieve this goal.
Spencer Sutherland
While on The Zach Sang Show, actor Spencer Sutherland revealed he made it to callbacks for the role of Fiyero too.
“When I got a double callback, it was like, ‘Oh, shit, this is real. How many people do they have left?’ Probably 20, but still not bad. I don’t know the number,” the actor said.
Ryan McCartan
And finally, Broadway actor and Wicked stage-play star Ryan McCartan shared that he also auditioned for the film version of his Fiyero role.
“One of the many, many things I haven’t booked,” he said.
Though it’s surely a shame none of these fantastic stars got the cut, maybe they’ll have a spot in next year’s Wicked: Part Two? Who knows!
Until then, learn everything we know about next year’s Wicked sequel by checking our piece here!
Lead Image: Getty
The post Wicked Passed On A Bunch Of Celebrities Who Auditioned For Ariana Grande & Cynthia Erivo’s Roles appeared first on PEDESTRIAN.TV .
