As a dedicated fan of musical theater and Amanda Seyfried’s enchanting performances, I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of excitement when I learned that she had auditioned for the role of Glinda in “Wicked.” With her impressive resume that spans from the silver screen to the small one, it’s no wonder she made it to the final rounds.
As a devoted fan, I’ve been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the “Wicked” movie for what feels like an eternity! Split into two parts, this cinematic adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical has some pretty large shoes to fill when it comes to casting its principal characters, Elphaba and Glinda. Originally portrayed by Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, these witches share a rich history before Dorothy’s arrival in Oz. From their chance encounter at Shiz University to the dramatic shifts in their lives as they took on unexpected roles, their story is one that I can hardly wait to see unfold on the big screen!
In November 2021, it was revealed that Cynthia Erivo would portray Elphaba, while Ariana Grande would depict Glinda. Grande is recognized for her work on Nickelodeon and as a musician, while Erivo is a Tony award winner, most famously known for her roles in “The Color Purple” on Broadway and the 2019 film “Harriet.” Other well-known figures were added to the cast, including Jeff Goldblum as the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Michelle Yeoh as Headmistress of Shiz Madame Morrible, and Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero Tigelaar. These actors complete the primary ensemble.
Indeed, a multitude of actors and singers were under consideration for the roles. Ranging from rising stars on the Disney Channel to established performers on Broadway, a vast array of gifted individuals tried out for director Jon M. Chu prior to selecting Grande and Erivo. Here’s a list of 12 contenders who nearly secured roles in “Wicked.
Dove Cameron
Dove Cameron is an actress recognized by many from her days on the Disney Channel, although her television career actually began with the series “Shameless.” She received an Emmy award for her dual role as twins Liv and Maddie Rooney in the show “Liv and Maddie,” and she’s part of the main cast for the “Descendants” movie series. These projects have given her ample opportunity to display her singing talents, which have become a significant aspect of her post-Disney career.
Post working for the children’s television network, Cameron embarked on a journey involving diverse musical endeavors. Some might recognize her from her roles as Betsy McDonough and Jenny Banks in the Apple TV+ musical comedy series “Schmigadoon!”. Additionally, she starred as Cher Horowitz in the 2018-2019 off-Broadway production of “Clueless: The Musical”, and as Clara Johnson during the 2019 London run of “The Light in the Piazza”. Cameron’s musical career gained momentum with her hit single “Boyfriend” on TikTok in 2022, and her debut album “Alchemical: Vol. 1.” in 2023.
2019 saw whispers about Dove Cameron potentially starring in the musical “Wicked”, when Entertainment Tonight enquired about her interest in playing Glinda. The actress responded enthusiastically, calling it a role of a lifetime. More than three years later, during a press event for Schmigadoon! Season 2, Cameron confirmed that she had indeed auditioned for the project. In her words to TheWrap, “I certainly tried out for it. I know that everyone who went for it faced a lengthy process. It was one of the longer processes I’ve been involved in.
James Corden
James Corden, who hosted “The Late Late Show” from 2015 to 2023, was speculated to play Doctor Dillamond, a role eventually given to actor Peter Dinklage from “Game of Thrones”. When Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo were confirmed as the main characters, there was a wave of anticipation on the internet, with many hoping that James Corden wouldn’t be cast in the upcoming adaptation.
This attitude arises due to his extensive involvement in various movie musicals in recent times, including playing a mouse in “Cinderella” (2021), the baker in “Into the Woods,” Barry Glickman in “The Prom,” and Bustopher Jones in “Cats.” Given that several of these roles were met with criticism, particularly by long-time Corden critics, fans of “Wicked” were concerned he might be chosen for the Elphaba and Glinda narrative. It’s unclear if he auditioned for Doctor Dillamond or any other character in the production.
Cooper Hoffman
In the 2021 movie “Licorice Pizza,” Cooper Hoffman, son of renowned actor Philip Seymour Hoffman, made his film debut, sharing the screen with Alana Haim. This performance marked a breakthrough for him, earning him the National Board of Review’s Emerging Actor Award. In addition to “Licorice Pizza,” he has been involved in projects like “Wildcat,” “Old Guy,” and “Saturday Night.
2022 saw whispers circulating that Cooper Hoffman might feature in the “Wicked” film adaptation following an anonymous tip sent to the gossip podcast Deuxmoi. A post on Reddit suggested a relative of a deceased actor, who gained fame the previous year, was under discussion for the lead munchkin role in an upcoming movie musical. Eagle-eyed Reddit users quickly identified this production as “Wicked,” and presumed Cooper Hoffman to be the individual being alluded to. However, Ethan Slater, famous for his work on the “SpongeBob SquarePants” musical, was ultimately cast as Boq, the character in question, instead. To date, Cooper Hoffman has remained silent on the speculation.
Joe Jonas
Joe Jonas is one of the three members of the Jonas Brothers, alongside his siblings Kevin and Nick. Although he’s primarily recognized as a singer, he has also made a name for himself in acting. He starred in shows like “Jonas,” “Camp Rock,” and “Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam” with his brothers, but he also took on roles in films such as “Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation,” “Devotion,” “Grease Live,” and “Hot in Cleveland.” You might have seen him as a guest star on shows like “The Voice,” “Zoolander 2,” “Songland,” or hosting the Quibi original series “Cup of Joe.” In an interesting twist, Jonas even tried out for the role of Spider-Man, but Andrew Garfield was chosen instead.
During a break in the Jonas Brothers’ group, Joe Jonas pursued a solo endeavor, forming DNCE alongside JinJoo Lee, Jack Lawless, and Cole Whittle. Their first single, “Cake by the Ocean,” made its way onto Billboard’s Hot 100 Top 10 Hits, remaining on the chart for 46 weeks. However, the band took a hiatus once Joe reconnected with his siblings and their group.
In the year 2024, I sat down with Dax Shepard on his Armchair Expert podcast alongside my brothers, and shared a fascinating tidbit from our past. Back then, we both gave an audition for the movie adaptation of “Wicked”. It’s not clear which character we were vying for, but many believe it might have been Fiyero – that would have been a dream come true!
Nick Jonas
Among the Jonas Brothers, Nick is the one who has accumulated the most acting experience. While he’s well-known for his roles in Disney Channel productions like “Camp Rock,” “Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam,” and “Jonas” with his brothers, he’s also made a name for himself in shows such as “Scream Queens,” “Jumanji,” and “Hawaii Five-0.” Nick has also built an impressive stage career, appearing in productions like “Hairspray,” “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,” and the upcoming Broadway show, “The Last Five Years.
During the break of the Jonas Brothers, I, Nick Jonas, dived into a solo music journey, releasing hits like “Chains” and “Jealous” that peaked at positions 13 and 7 on the Billboard Hot 100. I dropped two albums, titled “Nick Jonas” and “Last Year Was Complicated,” before we, the Jonas Brothers, reunited in 2019.
On “Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard”, Nick Jonas revealed that he and his brother Joe had tried out for the musical “Wicked”. He shared something new and intriguing, saying, “In fact, we both went for the same part, Joe and I, and it was ‘Wicked’ they were casting.” Unfortunately, neither of them received a callback. Nick added that they encouraged each other throughout the process, hoping one of them would secure the role.
Tayler Louderman
The team responsible for casting chose to consider performers from Broadway when selecting their primary witches. Among those selected was Tayler Louderman, who gained recognition for her role as Regina George in the “Mean Girls” musical on Broadway and earned a Tony nomination for her performance. Although she has since deleted the post, it is believed that she auditioned for the film, leading some fans to speculate that she might have been trying out for the role of Glinda.
Throughout her professional journey, Louderman has predominantly graced the stage, embodying characters such as Sandy (in “Grease”), Amber Von Tussle (in “Hairspray”), and Lauren (in “Kinky Boots”). She’s also been involved in various on-screen ventures. These include a lead role in the series “Kenan,” portraying Wendy in “Peter Pan Live!”, as well as guest appearances in “Evil” and “The Good Fight.
In a post on their Instagram story, user bejulesd13 shared an archived story from the actress who, after announcing Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo’s castings in a Deadline article, joked, “Did I even audition or think I had a chance?!” followed by another image of herself with the caption, “This industry…you can’t be too invested in any role you’re trying out for (or you might get hurt and won’t return) but you need to care enough to give it your best.” In her own words, “I cared too much this time.” Translated: The actress humorously questioned whether she had auditioned or stood a chance in the roles announced by Deadline (Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo’s castings), while also acknowledging that it’s important to care about auditions enough to give them your all, but not so much that you get hurt emotionally.
Ryan McCartan
Ryan McCartan, a Disney Channel actor, also made the list. He starred alongside Dove Cameron in “Liv and Maddie.” After wrapping up his role as Diggie the basketball player with ambitions for sports commentary, he shifted focus to established franchises. He portrayed Brad Majors in the TV film “The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Time Warp Again” and had a recurring part in the spin-off series of “Supernatural,” titled “The Winchesters.
Beyond his screen roles, McCartan boasts an impressive resume on stage. From 2018 to 2019, he starred as Fiyero in the Broadway run of “Wicked.” Later, in both the 2020 Broadway production and the 2022 U.S. National Tour, he assumed the role of Prince Hans in “Frozen.” McCartan also graced the stage in Chicago as Tony in a production of “West Side Story.
In a trailer response video for The Stage Door, an YouTube channel jointly managed by actor McCartan and author Samantha Fekete, McCartan disclosed his attempt at securing a part in the movie. “I gave it my all,” he admits in the clip, as they share laughter about not being chosen for the film’s premiere. Although he doesn’t explicitly state it, there’s a strong chance that McCartan auditioned for the character Fiyero, considering his previous role in the Broadway production.
Lea Michele
Lea Michele, who gained fame from her stint on Broadway and portrayal of Rachel Berry in the hit musical comedy series “Glee,” has often been speculated to take on the role of Elphaba in a film adaptation of “Wicked.” This multi-talented performer made her debut on Broadway as a child, playing Young Cosette in “Les Misérables” from 1995 to 1996. However, she truly captured attention when she portrayed Wendla Bergmann in “Spring Awakening,” appearing in both the off-Broadway and Broadway casts between 2006 and 2008.
For quite some time now, there’s been speculation about the actress being considered for roles in the “Wicked” movie. Despite never performing in the stage production, she lent her voice to Dorothy in the 2013 animated film “Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s Return,” thereby establishing a link to the storyline. When the release date for “Wicked” was set for 2019, Michele found herself on fan cast lists and featured in publications like Teen Vogue, who thought she would be an excellent Elphaba due to her powerful singing voice.
Her thoughts about potentially playing Elphaba in the movie haven’t ceased. During a 2019 interview on “Watch What Happens Live After Show”, a fan asked if she had been approached to audition. She replied, “That would be amazing! I don’t believe they’ve discussed it with anyone just yet.” She joked, “I’m just hanging backstage, painting myself green, waiting for the call.
Cristin Milioti
As a dedicated gamer, I might not have Cristin Milioti on my immediate radar, but she was definitely noticed by the team behind the hit musical “Wicked.” You probably recognize her from her role as the Mother on the CBS sitcom “How I Met Your Mother.” Ever since that show wrapped up, she’s been keeping busy with a variety of projects. From gracing our screens in episodes like “USS Callister” on Black Mirror, to starring in the 2022 series “The Resort,” and bringing Sofia Falcone to life in “The Penguin,” it’s clear she’s making her mark in the TV world. However, let’s not forget about her stage performances – they’re definitely worth checking out!
In the realm of theater, Milioti is celebrated for her Tony-nominated portrayal in the musical “Once,” which was adapted from the 2007 movie of the same title. Her role was that of the main character Girl, joining the production during its early stages at the American Repertory Theatre and the New York Theatre Workshop. When it moved to Broadway in 2012, she carried on with the cast.
In a cabaret performance, Milioti disclosed that in 2023, she had tried out for the role of Elphaba in “Wicked.” As she showcased her abilities, she regaled her audience with tales from her audition process. The actress also discussed this adventure during an interview on “The Tonight Show” while promoting “The Penguin.” She shared that they contacted her about trying out for Elphaba and she accepted without hesitation. However, she was exceptionally anxious about hitting the high notes in “Defying Gravity.” Although the other songs went well, her rendition of “Defying Gravity” didn’t meet her expectations. “The sound I produced is something that will echo in my ears until my last breath,” Milioti shared with Jimmy Fallon. Despite not landing the role of Elphaba, she can now find humor in the experience.
Reneé Rapp
Reneé Rapp is recognized for her part as Leighton in the HBO series “The Sex Lives of College Girls,” but she started her acting journey on stage. In 2018, she was awarded the Jimmy Award for Best Actress Performance for her role in her high school’s production of “Big Fish.” After that, she moved to Broadway and played Regina George, a role previously held by Taylor Louderman during auditions for “Wicked,” from 2018 to 2020. Later, she reprised the character in the 2024 movie version of the play.
Apart from her acting talents, she’s equally involved in music. In 2022, she released an EP titled “Everything to Everyone,” followed by an album named “Snow Angel” in 2023. Her musical prowess was recognized when she was nominated for Best New Artist at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards. Furthermore, she received the GLAAD award for exceptional music artist in 2024.
On the “What Happens Live After Show” in 2022, Rapp mentioned that she tried out for the musical “Wicked.” When a fan asked if she landed the role of Glinda, Rapp playfully suggested they spread the word about her being in the film. When asked if she indeed auditioned for the part, she confirmed it. The actress expressed her enthusiasm towards seeing Ariana Grande in the movie as well, stating that she is “really looking forward” to it.
Amanda Seyfried
Actress Amanda Seyfried boasts a diverse musical career. Her most famous roles include Sophie Sheridan in “Mamma Mia!” and its sequel, “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again”, but theater enthusiasts may also recall her as Cosette from the 2012 movie version of “Les Misérables.
Amanda Seyfried’s resume boasts a variety of renowned films such as “Mean Girls,” “Jennifer’s Body,” “Dear John,” and “The Art of Racing in the Rain.” She also made her mark on television, starting with a recurring role on the soap opera “As the World Turns” from 1999 to 2001. Some may recall her brief stint on “CSI,” while her small-screen journey continued with leading roles in HBO’s series “Big Love,” Hulu’s miniseries “The Drop Out,” and Apple TV+’s miniseries “The Crowded Room” alongside Tom Holland, known for his role as “Spider-Man.
As a devoted fan, I can share that in conversations with Backstage, the actress confided that she once auditioned for the role of Glinda in the “Wicked” film adaptation. She expressed, “Even now, I find myself dreaming about auditioning for ‘Wicked.’ During my time portraying Elizabeth [on ‘The Dropout’], on weekends I was physically going to auditions to play Glinda in the cinematic version of ‘Wicked.'” She added, “I went to extraordinary lengths, even contorting myself during the most challenging role of my career. However, I believe this experience also served as a testament to how much I’ve progressed as a vocalist, a growth I was eager to demonstrate.” Although she didn’t secure the part of Glinda, Seyfried is content with her artistic development and feels ready for the next musical opportunity that may come her way.
Spencer Sutherland
Spencer Sutherland is a musician who has released two albums so far. Even though his first album didn’t come out until 2023, the talented singer-songwriter already had singles from as early as 2015 available on Spotify for listeners to enjoy. An expanded version of his debut album, titled “In His Mania,” includes collaborations with Meaghan Trainor and JESSICA.
Besides his musical career, Sutherland has also made appearances in several acting projects. In 2017, he featured in an episode of the CMT sitcom “Still the King”, and in four episodes of Amazon Prime Video’s “I Know What You Did Last Summer”. Furthermore, he lent his voice to Lincoln in the “Vote for Love” podcast series. Additionally, Sutherland shared the screen with Victoria Justice in the 2021 Netflix movie “Afterlife of the Party”, and provided four songs for its soundtrack.
In 2023, on the “Zach Sang Show”, Sutherland disclosed that he was among the potential candidates for the leading male character in “Wicked”. He stated, “I received a callback for ‘Wicked’.” The musician expressed his satisfaction with the audition, mentioning it as an excellent opportunity. He also revealed that it was for the role of Fiyero and that he had a “double callback”, suggesting there might have been more than one call-back round. Sutherland wasn’t certain about the number of actors still in the selection process, but he felt proud about his progress in the auditions.
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2024-10-04 15:02