In a night filled with glamour, emotion, and undeniable chemistry, the stars of the highly anticipated “Wicked” movie adaptation brought their real-life magic to the Los Angeles premiere. The event marked a significant milestone for the production that faced numerous challenges, including COVID-19 delays and the SAG-AFTRA strike in 2023.
Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater captured attention with a tender moment as they arrived at the premiere. Stunningly in an off-shoulder pastel gown, Grande was spotted fixing Slater’s crooked bow tie as he stood proudly in a green velvet suit. The couple’s appearance together marks their first major public outing since making headlines with their relationship in July 2023.
During the premiere, Slater spoke warmly about Grande’s dedication to the project. “I’m just really proud of Ari and her work on this. She’s poured herself into it,” he told GQ. “I’m excited for the world to see the amazing thing that she did.”
The evening wasn’t just about romance—it was a powerful reunion of Broadway royalty. Original “Wicked” stars Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel joined the celebration alongside the new cast, which included Michelle Yeoh, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, and Jeff Goldblum.
Speaking of Erivo, the Tony and Grammy winner brings her compelling story to the project. Known for keeping her personal life private, she recently made headlines by coming out as bisexual in August 2022. In a candid conversation with The Kelly Clarkson Show, Erivo shared her journey of self-discovery: “It’s wonderful just to be me. It’s made space creatively to let go of whatever I was hiding.”
The emotional weight of the project became evident during the press tour, where Grande and Erivo found themselves repeatedly moved to tears. Addressing fan reactions to their emotional displays, Grande playfully acknowledged the situation in an E! News interview: “We’ve cried 500 times today. And honestly, this is a PSA. So sorry, guys. If you’re going to comment about how annoying it is, I’ll say it first. I’m annoyed; I’m tired. My tear ducts are tired.”
Cynthia Erivo explained the depth behind their emotional responses: “We’ve come through a massive, massive thing, and we’ve stuck together.” Their bond extends beyond their on-screen roles as Elphaba and Glinda, with both actresses describing private moments of shared memories and friendship developed over three years of production.
The star-studded cast includes Peter Dinklage, Bowen Yang, and Marissa Bode, making this adaptation one of the most anticipated musical films in recent years. The movie represents a labor of love that began filming in December 2022 and weathered multiple production challenges before completion.
For fans eagerly awaiting to be “changed for good,” the wait is nearly over. “Wicked” will finally defy gravity in theaters on November 22, promising to bring the beloved musical to new heights with its blend of established Broadway legacy and fresh Hollywood magic.
The premiere event showcased not just the glamour of Hollywood but the real emotions, relationships, and personal growth that have marked this production’s journey from stage to screen. As the countdown to release begins, it’s clear that this adaptation carries with it the weight of its Broadway heritage and the authentic connections formed among its cast during its creation.