What's Happening?
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande will not be participating in interviews at the New York City premiere of 'Wicked: For Good.' Universal representatives announced that Erivo is unwell and has lost her voice, prompting Grande to skip interviews in solidarity.
Despite this, both stars will pose for photos on the red carpet. The premiere, held at Lincoln Center, is attended by co-stars Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, Marissa Bode, Colman Domingo, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, and director Jon M. Chu. This event follows a series of challenges during the 'Wicked: For Good' promotional tour, including Grande's absence at the São Paulo premiere due to airplane issues and an incident in Singapore where Erivo protected Grande from a man who breached security. The film, a sequel to the successful 'Wicked' movie, continues the story of Elphaba and Glinda, with Erivo and Grande reprising their roles.
Why It's Important?
The decision by Erivo and Grande to skip interviews highlights the pressures and challenges faced by actors during promotional tours. Their solidarity reflects the strong bond between the co-stars, which is crucial for maintaining morale and public image during high-profile events. The 'Wicked' franchise is significant in the entertainment industry, having achieved substantial box office success and critical acclaim. The health of key actors can impact promotional activities and audience engagement, potentially affecting box office performance. The film's release is anticipated to draw significant attention, given its predecessor's success and the star power of its cast.
What's Next?
The premiere of 'Wicked: For Good' is set for November 21, and the film is expected to perform well at the box office, given the franchise's popularity. The actors' health and ability to participate in future promotional activities will be closely monitored. The film's release will likely be accompanied by further promotional events, interviews, and media appearances, contingent on the actors' availability. The industry will watch closely to see how the film performs and whether it garners award nominations, particularly given the previous film's success.
