As excitement builds for the upcoming Wicked movie, stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, who portray Glinda and Elphaba respectively, have been in the spotlight not just for their roles but also for their emotional appearances on the film’s press tour.
Fans online have commented on their frequent tears during interviews and public appearances, turning their visible emotions into a bit of a meme. Now, both stars have addressed the attention, explaining that their tears are an expression of joy and the intense journey they’ve shared in bringing Wicked to life.
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo Shared Their Emotional Journey
After multiple delays, including COVID-19 disruptions and a pause in production during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, Wicked is finally set to hit theaters on November 22. For Ariana and Cynthia, the movie’s release represents years of effort and commitment, which has understandably stirred up a lot of emotions.
In a recent interview shared by E! News, Ariana and Cynthia joked about their tears, with Ariana laughingly saying, “We’ve cried 500 times today. And honestly, this is a PSA. So sorry, guys.” Cynthia added, “It is what it is… I mean, there’s nothing that we can do about it.” Ariana addressed the critics directly: “If you’re just gonna comment saying how annoying it is, I’ll say it first… I’m annoyed, I’m tired. My tear ducts [are tired].”
The two also mentioned a moment when they shared a private cry in a parking lot, with Cynthia explaining the source of their emotions. “We’ve come through a massive, massive thing, and we’ve really stuck together,” she said. “Yeah, the stuff you don’t see is the most special stuff,” Ariana added, with the pair again tearing up before Ariana laughingly declared, “It’s enough!”
ariana grande and cynthia erivo apologize for crying so much “psa: so sorry guys” 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/qCxCByG47g
— domonic ☀️ (@kbyefornow) November 9, 2024
In another interview, Ariana joked, “You need to understand, it’s been, like, 3 years, people!” She continued by asking critics, “Why does emotional availability scare you so?” while clarifying that their tears stem from a place of “happiness” and “joy.”
Ariana Grande addresses the crying in recent interviews
— “Why does emotional availability scare you so?” pic.twitter.com/T2R6rnuZOE
— ☀️ (@AG7Source) November 11, 2024
Beyond Tears: The Controversies Surrounding Wicked
The Wicked movie has stirred up more than emotions. Cynthia Erivo recently sparked a debate when she criticized a fan edit of the movie poster.
The edited image altered her face to resemble the original Broadway show’s artwork, which Cynthia found “deeply hurtful.” She expressed her dismay in an Instagram post, stating, “None of this is funny. None of this is cute. It degrades me. It degrades us.” She argued that the original poster was an illustration, while the film poster, featuring her directly facing the camera, was intended to connect more personally with the audience.
Read also: Rich Privilege? Kardashians Host Private Early Screening of ‘Wicked’ at Home
Adding to the list of hiccups surrounding the movie’s promotion, social media users recently discovered an unexpected issue with the packaging for Wicked dolls. Toy company Mattel accidentally printed a link that directed users to an adult website instead of the official Wicked movie page.
The company quickly issued a public apology, explaining that the error affected doll boxes primarily sold in the U.S. “We deeply regret this unfortunate error and are taking immediate action to remedy this. Parents are advised that the misprinted, incorrect website is not appropriate for children,” Mattel said in a statement.
Despite the tears and controversies, excitement for Wicked continues to grow. The film adaptation of the beloved musical has long been anticipated, and fans are eager to see Ariana and Cynthia bring their roles to life on the big screen.
The next Wicked premiere will be held in Mexico City on Monday (November 11).
