The real reason Wicked stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo are always crying
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Ethan Slater has shared his thoughts on why his fellow Wicked actors, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, often become very emotional when they are together.
Before the movie comes out on Friday, November 22, Grande and Erivo participated in several joint interviews to help promote it.
Slater, who portrays a Munchkin boy named Boq in the film, recently shared with Today that he and his co-stars often laugh about their tendency to cry during interviews. "They're hilarious," he commented. "After a long day of interviews, they say things like, 'We cried again a hundred times. Everyone’s probably tired of it.' But I believe it stems from a sincere place."
Wicked, which draws from the Broadway show, is also inspired by Gregory Maguire’s 1995 book, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. This story serves as a prequel to L. Frank Baum’s original 1900 novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, as well as its famous film version from 1939.
The narrative revolves around Glinda, the benevolent witch, and Elphaba, the misunderstood Wicked Witch of the West, portrayed by Grande and Erivo. It explores their first encounter at Shiz University.
"I believe it’s a deeply emotional experience to explore the lives of characters on such a journey," Slater shared. "It’s been a lengthy and intense undertaking. When you immerse yourself in that, you really connect with those around you."
Although Slater has been dating Grande for more than a year, he believes that the singer of "Love Me Harder" and the actor from Harriet might be true soul mates.
"Their friendship is genuine, profound, and significantly shaped by the collaboration they’ve had. I believe they’re discussing and contemplating their experiences while still actively engaged in it," he noted.
Slater acknowledged that he has also shed tears during discussions about the film with the media. He shared a poignant memory of a time spent with his co-star Marissa Bode, who portrays Elphaba's younger sister and is the first performer to use a wheelchair for this part.
He mentioned that he began to get emotional when the interviewer brought up a remark regarding Bode.
Slater remarked, "One of the comments noted, 'Marissa, you inspire me. As a wheelchair user who has always dreamed of being an actor, watching you do this makes me believe I can follow my aspirations.' The significance of representation, combined with her remarkable performance in the film, was truly touching."
"It's truly wonderful to witness the difference that makes and to be involved in that narrative alongside her. I'm grateful for the opportunity."
