The ‘Wicked’ Effect: How the Blockbuster Film is Captivating Hollywood and Beyond
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Despite a lack of interest in the musical or red carpets, the cultural phenomenon surrounding Wicked: For Good is undeniable. Following a chaotic press tour for the first installment that generated significant pop culture buzz in 2025, all eyes are now on the sequel and the dynamic between its stars, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. Here’s a extensive look at the latest developments surrounding the highly anticipated film.
A Bond ‘For Good’ – and in Solidarity
Last year’s Wicked press tour was defined by the intense connection between Grande and Erivo. The pair were frequently overcome with emotion during interviews, culminating in the now-iconic image of Erivo comforting Grande with a touch of her finger during a discussion of “defying Gravity.” While Grande playfully described their displays of affection as “insufferable,” their bond appears unwavering. At the New York premiere on Monday, Erivo prioritized preserving her voice by declining interviews, and Grande reportedly followed suit “in solidarity,” though she still took the prospect to promote her costar’s upcoming projects, as CNN reported. When asked about their feelings ahead of the film’s release, Grande spoke for both, stating, “overwhelming gratitude.” However, the premiere was quickly overshadowed by news of Grande’s positive COVID-19 test late Thursday.
‘Holding a hand’ and Matching Tattoos Fuel Speculation
The close relationship between the two accomplished actresses has sparked widespread online speculation. Erivo and Grande share four matching Wicked-themed tattoos, including “for good” on the palms of their hands. Grande revealed last year on the Today Show that they have one additional, more “intense” tattoo that remains private. During an appearance on Amy Poehler’s Good Hang podcast this week, Grande dismissed concerns about their touchy-feely interactions, explaining they were simply “looking to take care of each other.” She added,”I channel a lot of energy through my hands. I’m always holding a hand.”
Security Intervention at Singapore Premiere
The fervor surrounding Wicked: For Good reached a concerning peak at the Singapore premiere last week when an Australian man rushed the red carpet in an attempt to reach grande. Erivo swiftly intervened, shielding Grande before security personnel subdued him.
A Potential Shift in Grande’s Career Path
Perhaps the most surprising progress is Grande’s contemplation of stepping away from music. She revealed to Amy Poehler that her upcoming tour, promoting her 2024 album Eternal Sunshine, may be her last “for a long, long, long, long time.” This announcement, described as a “last hurrah,” has understandably concerned her devoted fanbase, the Arianators. However,it aligns with her growing focus on acting,with a potential Oscar nomination for Wicked: For Good and a role in the Meet the Fockers sequel,Focker-in-Law,scheduled for release next November. Beyond acting, Grande has also developed new hobbies, including birdwatching with the Merlin app, which she calls “fabulous,” and a burgeoning interest in entomology. “I wish I were a person who, like, had endless entomology knowledge,” she confessed. “I could look at a bug and be like, ‘Ah, Lepidoptera pieridae.'” It seems arianators may need to adjust their expectations regarding a potential eighth album.
