The excitement for Wicked, the highly-anticipated movie adaptation of the hit Broadway musical, is reaching new heights!
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, who play lead roles in the film, kicked off their global press tour with a glamorous appearance at the Australian premiere in Sydney. The event, titled the “Journey Through Oz” Tour, took place at the iconic State Theatre on Sunday, Nov. 3.
Grande and Erivo truly looked the part as they graced the yellow brick carpet, fittingly colored to honor The Wizard of Oz’s iconic yellow brick road. Like her character Glinda, the “good witch,” Grande arrived in an eye-catching pink gown that felt as magical as the world of Oz.
Her dress featured a fitted bodice, dramatic statement sleeves with a touch of sparkle, and a full, flowing skirt. She completed the look with a diamond butterfly choker and ring, adding a touch of whimsy to her sleek ponytail.
Cynthia Erivo, who plays the role of Elphaba—the misunderstood “wicked” witch—wore a strapless black gown that was both elegant and powerful. The structured skirt flared at her hips, creating a bold silhouette that contrasted beautifully with Grande’s softer look.
Like Grande, Erivo accessorized with a choker, choosing a black-and-white piece that perfectly complemented her sophisticated style.
The two stars were joined by several other cast members who have brought *Wicked* to life on the big screen. Among them was veteran actor Jeff Goldblum, who wore a unique brown suit with a long tailcoat, black lapels, and a green silk shirt, embracing a quirky style that matched the whimsical tone of the night.
Jonathan Bailey, who also stars in the film, looked sharp in a white suit and yellow shirt, keeping in tune with the yellow brick theme. Marissa Bode, another cast member, wore a light green, strapless gown paired with metallic green shoes, while Grande’s boyfriend, Ethan Slater, looked classic in a black suit with a brown shirt and matching tie.
Grande and Erivo have been publicly supportive of each other throughout the making of Wicked. They were cast in their respective roles back in November 2021, and since then, their friendship has grown both on and off the set.
In a recent interview on the Broadway Podcast Network’s Sentimental Men podcast, Grande shared that she and Erivo didn’t have a chemistry test before being cast, but they quickly made a pact to deeply understand each other. Grande explained, “I can just look at her, and I know what she’s thinking… because without that, nothing else works.” This bond has clearly influenced their performances and has fans even more excited for the movie.
Before the Australian premiere, Grande and Erivo made waves at other high-profile events as part of the Wicked press tour. Just before heading to Sydney, the two attended the 2024 Innovator Awards hosted by WSJ. Magazine.
Grande turned heads in a white, floral-embroidered gown by designer Vivienne Westwood, while Erivo wowed in a chic gray and green outfit from the Erdem Spring 2025 Ready-to-Wear Collection. Their stylish looks at each event have often nodded to their characters, with Erivo sometimes opting for green ensembles in tribute to Elphaba’s iconic color.
Their press tour also brought them to Los Angeles for the fourth annual Academy Museum of Motion Pictures Gala, where Erivo stunned in a custom Louis Vuitton gown and later performed in an emerald green rhinestone dress. Grande, too, showed off her fashionable side in a black-and-white polka dot gown by Balmain.
The Wicked film adaptation will be released in two parts, with the first hitting theaters on Friday, Nov. 22, 2024.
