The highly anticipated Wicked movie is almost here, promising to reignite our love for musicals. But instead of sparking pure excitement, it has also raised concerns about the physical and health conditions of its stars, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo.
The Transformation of Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo for Wicked
During the filming of Wicked, both Ariana (playing Glinda) and Cynthia (Elphaba) reportedly underwent strict regimes to embody their characters. While details about their diets or routines haven’t been disclosed, circulating images showing dramatic changes in their appearances have caused alarm among fans.
Many are questioning whether these changes were solely for the roles or indicative of something more serious. In an era where weight-loss drugs like Ozempic dominate headlines, the conversation about physical transformations in Hollywood becomes even more delicate. Fans worry about how these images might perpetuate insecurities and unrealistic standards for audiences.
Read also: Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo Address Backlash for Their Emotional “Wicked” Press Tour
Hollywood’s History of Extreme Physical Demands
Drastic physical transformations are far from new in Hollywood. The Wicked production echoes troubling practices seen as far back as the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz.
In the classic adaptation, Judy Garland, playing Dorothy, was subjected to a harsh regimen to maintain a slim figure. Her diet reportedly consisted of chicken soup, black coffee, and cigarettes, supplemented by pills to suppress her appetite and “boost energy.” These extreme measures left lasting effects on her physical and mental health, shedding light on the damaging pressures faced by actors even decades ago.
A Larger Conversation About Unrealistic Standards
Ariana and Cynthia’s visible transformations raise an important question: How far does Hollywood go in pressuring actors to meet unrealistic physical standards? It’s not just about their roles in Wicked; it’s a broader conversation about the entertainment industry’s impact on body image and mental health.
As fans eagerly await Wicked’s release, the glitz and magic of the film come with a stark reminder of Hollywood’s darker side. This is a conversation worth having—not just for the stars, but for everyone influenced by the images they see on screen.
This article was originally written in Spanish by Alan Cruz in Cultura Colectiva
