Ariana Grande has clarified that her recent shift to darker hair is not intended as a symbolic farewell to her role as Glinda in the upcoming “Wicked” films. Instead, she describes it as a personal choice to “do something different.”
The 32-year-old singer and actress’s decision to trade her signature blonde locks, synonymous with her portrayal of Glinda, for a brunette hue has sparked considerable buzz among fans on social media.
This transformation coincides with her return to the role of the Good Witch of the North in “Wicked: For Good,” alongside Cynthia Erivo, who reprises her role as Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West.
On Monday evening, London’s Leicester Square was transformed into a vibrant recreation of the Land of Oz, complete with pink and green hues inspired by the musical and a sprawling yellow brick road.
Enthusiastic fans arrived dressed in witches’ hats and green makeup, while others paid homage to Glinda in sparkling, floor-length gowns.
Speaking with BBC News, Erivo, a recent double Grammy nominee, expressed that concluding the “Wicked” chapter felt “overwhelming.”
Grande added, “It feels beautiful, though. This project will always be a part of our lives.”
The sequel resumes the narrative following the events of the first film, focusing on the years after Elphaba and Glinda’s separation.
Elphaba is now an enemy of the state in Oz, while Glinda has become a public figure under the control of the Wizard.
In addition to Grande and Erivo, “Wicked: For Good” will feature returning co-stars Michelle Yeoh, Jonathan Bailey, and Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard.
Bailey, 37, known for his role in “Bridgerton,” recently made history as People’s first openly gay “Sexiest Man Alive.”
When asked by BBC News about his personal “Sexiest Man of the Year,” he immediately responded.
“Jon M Chu,” he stated, referring to the film’s director. “Because his genius and compassion know no end.”
He then laughed, adding, “And because he cast me in this film, so that is entirely sexy.”
The sequel involves a romantic storyline, potentially drawing parallels between Bailey’s role and his character Anthony in “Bridgerton.”
“I’m sure I’m mining something that’s in my bones somewhere,” he commented.
In a lighter vein, he was also asked about his potential participation in “Celebrity Traitors.”
“The answer is, we’ll have to find out,” he said, pausing for dramatic effect before laughing. “I feel like I’m already exposing my game play.”
Grande’s recent Instagram reveal of her darker hair prompted speculation among fans that it signified a farewell to her Glinda character.
However, she clarified, “No, I think it was just a way of doing something different for the second movie, and playing into the darker tones, with clothing and beauty.”
“It’s fun,” she said, as Erivo smiled and nodded in agreement.
The films are adapted from the acclaimed Broadway and West End musical, itself based on Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel.
The stage musical was divided into two films for its cinematic adaptation, with the second installment scheduled for release on November 21.
The two movies were filmed simultaneously at Sky Studios Elstree in Hertfordshire between December 2022 and January 2024, with production temporarily halted due to the Hollywood actors’ strike.
“Wicked” was the top-grossing film of 2024 in the UK and received 10 Oscar nominations, ultimately winning two for Best Costume and Production Design.
At two hours and 40 minutes, the first film was nearly as long as the entire stage show.
The second film is slightly shorter, running for 2 hours and 18 minutes.
Erivo and Grande’s on-screen chemistry and genuine friendship generated several viral interview moments during the promotional campaign for the first film last year. The duo also jointly opened the Academy Awards in March with a “Wicked” medley.
A challenge for the sequel is that many of the musical’s most iconic songs, such as “Defying Gravity,” “Popular,” and “The Wizard And I,” were featured in the first film.
However, the upcoming film will include two new songs. Chu revealed to BBC News that Grande and Erivo were deeply moved upon hearing them for the first time, “they just cried.”
“It means a lot that now, however many years later, we’re here and people get to see it on the big screen. I’m so excited.”
Wicked For Good is in cinemas on 21 November.