Director Jon M. Chu witnessed something extraordinary during the filming ofWicked– a raw, unfiltered performance born from real-life turmoil. Ariana Grande wasn’t simply playing Glinda; she was living through a deeply personal upheaval, and that vulnerability became the heart of her portrayal.
The actress embarked on the ambitious project of filming bothWickedand its sequel,Wicked: For Good, back-to-back. Simultaneously navigating a very public divorce and the demands of a double feature, Grande channeled her heartbreak into a performance that is already generating significant Oscar buzz.
Chu revealed that he observed Grande drawing upon her emotional struggles to elevate her acting. He noted a remarkable ability to access and express profound feelings, refusing to shield anything from the camera. It was a rare and powerful display of authenticity in an industry often focused on perfection.
The timing of Grande’s personal life coincided with intense scrutiny. Her divorce from Dalton Gomez unfolded publicly, with reports of earlier struggles and a brief attempt at reconciliation before the separation became official. This period of immense personal change occurred while she was fully immersed in the world of Oz.
Adding another layer of complexity, a new relationship with herWickedco-star, Ethan Slater, drew considerable media attention and criticism. Slater himself was also going through a divorce, further fueling the public discourse and adding to the emotional weight Grande carried during filming.
Despite the controversy, Chu believes the turbulence ultimately strengthened Grande’s performance. He felt confident she could handle the film’s most emotionally challenging scenes, knowing she was capable of tapping into a wellspring of genuine feeling.
The depth of Grande’s portrayal as Glinda has been widely lauded, and audiences will soon see even more of her character inWicked: For Good. The sequel promises to expand the story, introducing beloved characters like Dorothy, the Scarecrow, and the Cowardly Lion, played by Colman Domingo.
Chu emphasized that the sequel will allow Glinda and Elphaba to truly evolve, shattering expectations and rebuilding their characters. He described it as a story about friendship, forgiveness, and the enduring bonds that connect us, a message he believes is particularly relevant today.
The upcoming film promises a grander scale, with heightened drama and action, but at its core, it remains a poignant exploration of a complex friendship and the power of human connection. It’s a story that, according to Chu, is the very reasonWickedwas brought to life.
