Cynthia Erivo just got a little too honest!
In a new interview with the New York Times out on Wednesday, Cynthia and Ariana Grande were asked about the casting process for the upcoming Wicked movie and what it was like to learn the other had been cast. Cynthia did NOT hold back. First off, she said there was “absolutely no surprise whatsoever” to the 7 Rings singer getting selected. Ari agreed, saying on Cynthia’s casting:
“I said, ‘Thank God.'”
Related: Ariana Responds To Elvira’s Comments About Her Bad Behavior!
Cynthia doubled down on this — while throwing MAJOR shade at the other actresses vying for the role of Glinda. She dished:
“Thank goodness, because it was not the two ladies that I was auditioning with.”
WTF!
The Victorious alum was shocked by the candid answer, exclaiming, “Oh my God!” LOLz!
What a wild thing to say, though! Some of the best of the best went up for this highly coveted role, such as Amanda Seyfried, Dove Cameron, Reneé Rapp, and Taylor Louderman. It’s hard enough not to be cast in a life-changing movie (even though they are all super talented), there’s no need for Cynthia to rub it in. Have a little more respect!
Not to mention, The Color Purple Broadway star already made waves earlier during this promo tour when she slammed a fan-made poster that edited her face to look more like the OG poster. With just weeks before this film is set to premiere, she might not want to ruffle so many feathers!
FWIW, the Harriet star didn’t explain why she’s glad the other women weren’t selected for the role, but it seems possible she just didn’t mesh with them on a more personal level. She and Ariana both went on to gush about how they instantly became fast friends on set, noting that they’d hang out at each other’s homes on their days off and go shopping together. The pop star shared:
“I think that was one of my most cherished parts of this experience: I felt held and like I had a friend every step of the way. […] I’m really proud of us for how genuinely we took care of each other throughout this whole time.”
The Thank U, Next vocalist even got emotional and teared up while reflecting on how much Cynthia, who played Elphaba, helped her grow as a person during this process, saying:
“I feel really inspired by her fierce ability to be truthful and protect herself. Just by being around her, I have become more of an ally to myself when I used to do a lot of self-abandoning, and I really do credit that to our friendship.”
Cynthia felt similarly, adding:
“I don’t think it was up until I met her that I was like, ‘Oh, I think I can have what I want in this lifetime, and I can have it in my way.’ She’s really held my hand all the way through it and wants it for me just as much as I want for myself.”
It’s nice they became so close, and we’re sure that’ll help their chemistry on screen, too. But there’s no reason to tear other women down just to praise another! Just saying!
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