**Ariana Grande Posts Rare Photo of Ethan Slater From the Set of ‘Wicked’**
Ariana Grande, the multi-talented singer and actress, recently shared a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse from the set of the highly anticipated movie adaptation of *Wicked*. The photo featured her co-star Ethan Slater, sparking excitement among fans eager to see the beloved Broadway musical brought to life on the big screen.
The upcoming *Wicked* film, directed by Jon M. Chu, is based on the Tony Award-winning Broadway production that reimagines the story of *The Wizard of Oz* from the perspective of the witches of Oz. Grande stars as Glinda, the Good Witch, while Slater plays Boq, a Munchkin who becomes entangled in the lives of Glinda and Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West.
### Main Characters and Their Biographies
– **Ariana Grande (Glinda)**: Known for her powerhouse vocals and chart-topping hits, Ariana Grande has seamlessly transitioned from her Nickelodeon roots to becoming a global pop sensation. Her acting chops were first showcased in the musical *Hairspray Live!* and now, she takes on the iconic role of Glinda, a character known for her bubbly personality and complex relationship with Elphaba.
– **Ethan Slater (Boq)**: Best known for his Tony-nominated performance as SpongeBob SquarePants in the Broadway musical of the same name, Ethan Slater brings his stage expertise to the role of Boq. Boq is a kind-hearted Munchkin who harbors unrequited feelings for Glinda, leading to a series of life-altering events.
– **Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba)**: Playing the role of the misunderstood Elphaba, Cynthia Erivo is a celebrated actress and singer with a Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Award to her name. Her past performances in *The Color Purple* and *Harriet* have solidified her as one of the most dynamic talents in the industry.
### A Short History of *Wicked*
*Wicked* first premiered on Broadway in 2003, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Winnie Holzman. The musical is based on Gregory Maguire’s novel *Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West*, which offers a backstory to the witches of Oz. The show became an instant hit, earning three Tony Awards and a Grammy for its original cast recording. Over the years, it has become one of the longest-running and highest-grossing Broadway productions of all time.
The story explores themes of friendship, prejudice, and the complexity of good versus evil. It delves into the unlikely bond between Glinda and Elphaba, who start as rivals but grow to deeply understand and care for one another. The film adaptation aims to capture the magic of the stage production while introducing new elements to captivate audiences.
### Behind-the-Scenes Buzz: What We Know So Far
– The movie adaptation of *Wicked* is being split into two parts, with the first installment scheduled for release in 2024. This decision was made to ensure that the rich storyline and character development are given ample time to unfold.
– The cast also includes Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard, and Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible.
– Director Jon M. Chu, known for his work on *Crazy Rich Asians* and *In the Heights*, has promised a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film that honors the original musical while offering fresh perspectives.
### Why Fans Are Excited
– **Beloved Source Material**: *Wicked* has a massive fan base thanks to its Broadway success and timeless themes.
– **Star-Studded Cast**: With talents like Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, and Ethan Slater, expectations are high for stellar performances.
– **Innovative Direction**: Jon M. Chu’s track record suggests the film will be a feast for the eyes and ears.
– **Musical Magic**: Iconic songs like “Defying Gravity” and “Popular” are sure to be highlights of the movie.
As anticipation builds, Ariana Grande’s rare photo of Ethan Slater serves as a delightful teaser for what’s to come. Fans of the musical and newcomers alike are eagerly counting down the days until *Wicked* hits theaters, ready to be swept away by the enchanting world of Oz.