AceShowbiz - As fans eagerly await the release of "Wicked," the spotlight shines on the film's stellar cast - Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba. These two have already built significant hype, blending the worlds of pop culture and Broadway with their star power. However, the duo almost didn't get the parts in the movie.

In a revealing interview with SFX Magazine, director Jon M. Chu detailed his original vision for the casting process. "I wanted to have a very clear slate coming into Wicked," he shared. The director admitted that he was tempted to cast unknown actors to fill these iconic roles. He elaborated, "It's a big enough property on its own, so we can discover two people. I was like, 'We're gonna find no-namers.' "

This unconventional approach to casting would have introduced audiences to fresh talents, aligning with the whimsial, discovery-driven spirit of "Wicked." Chu believed that the enormously popular property would sustain itself without relying on established star power.

However, the director's trajectory changed course with an unexpected twist. "But then we got calls from all these great actresses who wanted to audition and we saw everybody, and they were all really great," Jon explained.

The avalanche of talent made the choice more difficult, but ultimately more exciting. He said, "Anyone could have done this role, except there were two people who were meant to do this role, for this particular movie at this particular time."

Choosing Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, whose talents and respective fanbases bring an extra dimension to these beloved characters, resonates with audiences and promises to deliver the magical experience "Wicked" fans anticipate. Their involvement suggests that the film will balance fresh energy with the gravitas required for such iconic roles.

This blend of the unexpected and the familiar in Jon M. Chu's casting decisions marks an intriguing chapter in the adaptation's journey. Whether audiences are long-time fans of "Wicked" or new to its spellbinding story, the star-studded cast assures that the film will be a cultural touchstone in its own right.