Could Amanda Seyfried have played Glinda in Wicked? Actress recalls auditioning alongside Cynthia Erivo

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo stunningly portrayed Glinda and Elphaba in one of the most successful projects of 2024, Wicked. As both the actresses fought against odds and quite a large number of phenomenal auditioners, multiple stars have now been revealed to have also been a part of the auditions for the magical movie.

Amanda Seyfried, who is known for her stunning vocals in Mamma Mia! was also one of the actresses who auditions for the role of Glinda. The Mean Girls actress opened up on auditioning next to Erivo for Wicked.

Speaking about it on the Happy, Sad and Confused podcast, Seyfried says:

"I was able to really prepare, and I'm telling you, I've never felt that solid in my voice than I did at the auditions. And that's kind of what I got out of it. I do, again, think everything happens for a reason. I also got to sing with Cynthia, and that was a moment in itself."

In another conversation with Backstage that came out in 2022, Seyfried talked about how badly she wanted the part initially as she opened up on juggling her role in the Emmy winning The Dropout, and readying herself up to play Glinda in Wicked.

"...On the weekends, I was auditioning in person to play Glinda in the movie version of Wicked — because I wanted it that much that I was like, 'You know what? Yeah, I have to play the last scene of The Dropout on Tuesday. I'll give my Sunday to you.' I literally bent over backwards while playing the hardest role of my life. But I think it also taught me how far I've come as a singer, which I really wanted to prove."

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Who ended up playing Glinda in Wicked?

The role ended up going to Ariana Grande, in what has now become her most successful acting credit till date, earning her multiple nominations in all the major award shows this year, including an Academy Award, a SAG award, a Golden Globe award and a BAFTA award.

Grande has received widespread praise for her portrayal of Glinda. Her chemistry with Cynthia's Elphaba has been one of the most charming aspects of the film, which is now looking ahead to its sequel Wicked: For Good set to release in November 2025.

Apart from that, the actress has been pretty vocal about her gratitude for this role as she has often opened up on how much playing Glinda means to her. In one particular interview with Deadline on January 23, 2025, Grande is asked about what it means to play Glinda, as she responds:

"It was the greatest gift of my life being cast in this. It’s something that I wanted more than anything in the world. A lot of people say I manifested it, but my mom taught me at a very young age that that’s only a tiny piece of the puzzle, and that gifts like this have to be earned. I’m grateful every single day for her. I’ve learned so much from her. I’ve healed through her, and she’ll be with me forever."

Wicked is available to stream on Peacock and Wicked: For Good comes out on November 21, 2025.