Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande play Elphaba and Glinda in "Wicked." Credit: Universal Pictures While the performances in the film are sensational overall, Chu makes a series of downright confounding choices that undercut the rapturous flow of the Broadway production and even the perspective of the story he aims to exalt.

The movie version of Broadway’s beloved musical, Wicked has been a long time coming since the play’s opening in 2003, but it is finally here, and quite frankly not only soars cinematically, it exceeds all expectations.

Cynthia Erivo shaded the actresses who auditioned for the role of Glinda in the “Wicked” movie, expressing her gratitude that Ariana Grande ultimately landed the part. In a new interview with The New York Times, Erivo, 37, and Grande, 31, spoke about the casting process.