Title: A Chat with John Chu: The Mastermind Behind Casting Elphaba in 'Wicked'
With the digital home release of hit musical adaptation "Wicked," fans are ravenous for behind-the-scenes tidbits about the film's production. Amongst the special features, the docu-style "Making Wicked" offers a captivating glimpse, including the intricate casting process led by filmmaker Jon M. Chu for his reimagination of the Broadway musical.
One segment that piqued interest is the audition journey of the film's leading ladies, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, vying for the roles of Elphaba and Glinda.
io9 gains an exclusive sneak peek into "Casting Elphaba," a clip from the Universal Home Entertainment digital release. Chu reminisces about the eventual casting of Erivo as the Wicked Witch of the West. "Let's look at everyone," he recalls, "and we saw them all. They were fantastic. I wanted to meet Cynthia."
Chu explains his decision further, "She didn't act like she was bigger than the show. She didn't act like she was a fan of the show. And more than that, she was a fan of a story about an outsider." Set against a backdrop of Erivo's mesmerizing renditions of the musical's tracks like "The Wizard and I," Chu concludes, "As soon as she left the room, that's her, that's Elphaba."
Erivo's fervent love for the character and the musical, stemming from her formative years, played a substantial role in her casting. Attending drama school at the age of 20, the musical Wicked brought solace to her. It wasn't until her 25th birthday that she truly connected with Elphaba's character. The sense of being misunderstood and maligned resonated deeply with her, mirroring her own experiences.
The casting process may not have been explicitly detailed, but it's evident that Erivo's long-standing connection to the character, coupled with her flawless audition, secured her role as Elphaba. Her preparation for the film saw her revisiting Wicked at the theatre and influencing aspects of Elphaba's appearance and personality, paying tribute to her heritage and the world of Oz.
"Wicked" is currently available in theaters and digitally, while "Wicked: For Good" is set to debut this Thanksgiving. Stay tuned for upcoming releases of Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek, DC Universe, and Doctor Who.
The anticipation for future technology-driven movie campaigns, such as those from Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek, DC Universe, and Doctor Who, is heightened following the successful release of "Wicked." According to io9, the insight into Cynthia Erivo's audition process for her role as Elphaba in "Wicked" showcases the importance of deep connections with characters for securing roles in movie adaptations, paving the way for future actors.
