Ariana Grande has surprised fans by deciding to use her birth name, Ariana Grande-Bureta, for her role in the highly anticipated musical film Wicked. This marks her return to musical theater after a long period of being primarily known for her pop music career. It is the first time the singer and actress has used her full name professionally, signaling a new chapter in her acting journey.
Wicked is one of the biggest projects for Universal Pictures in 2024, with a production budget of $145 million. Directed by Jon M. Chu, the film stars Ariana Grande alongside Cynthia Erivo. The movie is a grand musical spectacle, blending breathtaking performances with a captivating storyline. It promises to take audiences into a magical world, brought to life with intricate sets and elaborate musical numbers.
In an interview with People, Ariana Grande shared the challenges she faced while filming. She and Cynthia Erivo contracted Covid-19 just days before shooting began, but both continued to work through it, showing great dedication. Choosing to use her full name, Ariana Grande-Bureta, is a way for her to mark this new artistic endeavor and showcase her evolution from pop icon to musical theater performer.
In addition, Wicked also grabs attention with a massive 16-ton train specially crafted to transport the main characters, Elphaba and Galinda, towards their dreams of becoming powerful witches. This is one of the elements that makes the film not only a musical experience but also a captivating cinematic journey.
The film not only relies on stunning visual effects but also builds its sets with real elements, including a vast field of 9 million real tulip flowers, planted by a team of farmers. This attention to detail helps create the magical and immersive world of Oz, enhancing the film’s fantasy atmosphere. Wicked is set to release on November 22, 2024, and is expected to draw significant attention from fans and audiences worldwide.
