In Wicked, magic and drama aren't just limited to the plot. The backstage is full of stories of emotion, ambition, and some surprises for the casting. After all, turning a Broadway phenomenon into a worthy film adaptation is a huge challenge, and many artists gave their all in auditions.
In the end, the production found a balance between musical talent and film acting, and now we can delight ourselves with the movie led by Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba. But what about those who didn't make it through auditions, despite their uncontestable talent? Let's explore the stories behind ten stars who almost crossed the rainbow to Oz.
1. Amanda Seyfried—an audition she still dreams about
With memorable work in Mamma Mia! and the award-winning Les Misérables, Amanda Seyfried seemed a natural choice for Glinda. In the end, the role slipped through her fingers, and she found it hard to process. While starring in the drama The Dropout, Seyfried balanced an exhausting filming schedule with weekend auditions, proving her commitment to the role.
In an interview with Backstage, Seyfried shared that auditioning for Wicked was more than a technical challenge—it was an emotional test. She confessed she wanted to show how much she had grown since her role as Cosette in Les Misérables:
"I have dreams that I’m still auditioning for Wicked".
Although Glinda remained out of reach, Seyfried turned rejection into motivation to keep improving her vocal skills. She remains one of the most respected names in musical cinema, and who knows what the future might hold for her in Oz.
2. Dove Cameron—a childhood dream put on hold
Dove Cameron grew up with the role of Glinda as a childhood dream. Known for her work in Descendants and Schmigadoon!, Cameron has always shown passion for musicals. When Wicked auditions began, she knew this was her chance to achieve something she'd always wanted.
Despite describing the process as "one of the longest" in her career, Cameron never lost her enthusiasm. For her, auditioning was a personal connection to Oz's magical universe. In interviews, she revealed that each step of the selection process was a mix of emotions—from excitement to nerves.
Although the role ended up going to Ariana Grande, Cameron kept her optimism. With her passion and talent, Glinda might just be waiting for the right moment to enter her life.
3. Ryan McCartan—from stage Fiyero to almost-movie star
Ryan McCartan is a prominent actor and a well-known figure in Wicked's backstage. During his Broadway run, he played Fiyero, earning praise for his performance and musicality. When the movie announcement came, McCartan saw a perfect opportunity to reprise his role on an even bigger scale.
But movie auditions are a completely different territory. Despite his solid background, McCartan admitted the process was challenging. On his YouTube channel, he joked about the rejection:
"You didn’t cast me in the movie even though I worked so hard"
His words convey humor and acceptance, highlighting how unpredictable Hollywood can be.
4/5. Joe and Nick Jonas—a Wicked family competition
Joe and Nick Jonas are known for their music careers—two of the Jonas Brothers—and talent in various entertainment areas. Few knew, that both competed for the same role in Wicked. During an interview on the Armchair Expert podcast, Nick revealed details about the audition:
"We both auditioned for the same role, Joe and I, and it was for Wicked, actually."
Jonathan Bailey was the final choice for Fiyero, but that didn't stop the brothers from celebrating the experience. Nick described the role as something he always thought would be fun to play, while Joe shared that the audition process brought a new level of respect to musical work.
6. Taylor Louderman—getting burned by the book
Taylor Louderman, known for her iconic role as Regina George in Mean Girls Broadway musical, hoped to play Glinda in Wicked. Her stage performance, which earned her a Tony nomination, showed she had the necessary credentials for the role. Despite her talent, however, the role went to Ariana Grande.
After the news, Taylor expressed her frustration in an Instagram post (which was later deleted). She wrote: "Yyyy did I even audition 🤣 or think I had a chance?!" The humorous tone made it clear that, although disappointed, she faced the situation with grace and lightness. Still, the experience showed how hard it can be to balance passion and resilience in the world of auditions.
Even though she didn't get the role, Louderman remains a standout presence in Broadway musicals and TV. She hasn't given up on the possibility of playing Glinda someday—whether on stage or in a new adaptation of the classic musical.
7. Renée Rapp—losing to a friend
Renée Rapp, who shined as Regina George in Mean Girls (2024), also auditioned for Glinda. Known for her powerful stage presence and vocal talent, she was a strong candidate, however, the production went for Ariana Grande, leaving Rapp out of this journey.
During an appearance on Watch What Happens Live After Show, she confirmed her audition, saying: "I did [audition]." Showing maturity and sportsmanship, Renée praised Grande, highlighting that she was excited to see her friend shine in the role. Her response to rejection showed how Hollywood's competitiveness can be balanced with mutual support between colleagues.
Rapp continues to grow in her career, both in music and acting. Her album Snow Angel and her role in The Sex Lives of College Girls prove that, even without Glinda, her star power is secure.
8. Spencer Sutherland—an almost Fiyero
Spencer Sutherland, a singer and actor known for his music and roles in series like I Know What You Did Last Summer, was one of the last options considered for Fiyero. In an interview on the Zach Sang Show, he revealed he got called back for a second round of auditions.
"I thought it was a great audition. I got a callback for Wicked."
Though he came close to getting the role, Spencer lost to Jonathan Bailey. Still, he showed pride in making it so far in such a competitive process and even joked that maybe the Fiyero role was just the beginning of his connection to the Wicked universe.
Sutherland stays focused on his music and film career, using his Wicked experience as motivation to chase new challenges. With his dedication, it wouldn't be surprising to see him in another musical soon.
9. Cristin Milioti—an Elphaba that never was
Cristin Milioti, known for her role as the "Mother" in How I Met Your Mother, and her performance in the award-winning musical Once, seemed to have all the credentials to play Elphaba. Her experience in theater, where she had already shown great vocal ability and stage presence, caught the attention of the Wicked team. However, her audition had one detail she never forgot—the final riff of "Defying Gravity."
During a Tonight Show appearance, Milioti revealed she was nervous about singing the iconic song:
"The sound that escaped me is something I will hear on my deathbed," she joked, referring to the moment she believes compromised her audition.
Even with this obstacle, she continued to impress the industry with her versatility as an actress and singer. Although she wasn't chosen, Milioti turned the experience into a memorable story. Her ability to laugh at setbacks shows that, even without Elphaba, she has secured a place in the hearts of musical enthusiasts and on the stage of major productions.
10. James Corden—the threat that never came (reportedly)
When rumors started circulating that James Corden might be cast as Doctor Dillamond in Wicked, the internet did what it does best—collective panic. Known for his many appearances in movie musicals like Cats and Cinderella, Corden became a "boogeyman" among musical adaptation fans.
Although it was never confirmed if he actually auditioned for the role, just the idea of his participation was enough to generate a wave of memes and desperate hashtags. After all, Corden's track record in the genre doesn't inspire confidence—a singing mouse? A CGI cat? For Wicked fans, this was a looming nightmare. Fortunately, the role went to Peter Dinklage, and Oz was saved from a possible musical scandal.
Bonus section—Trivia
Ariana Grande—the "wrong" audition that revealed her perfect Glinda
Although she won the role of Glinda, Ariana Grande initially prepared to audition as Elphaba—a detail that surprised even director Jon M. Chu:
"We were getting mixed messages. I was like, ‘Of course she’s coming in for Galinda.’ And then my casting director was like, ‘No, I think she thinks she’s coming in for Elphaba.’" — said Ariana
Her performance made it clear that she was the perfect Glinda.
She was being nice to me, and I was being nice to her. We just let her do it. — commented Jon Chu
This small mistake ended up highlighting Grande's qualities and securing her definitive place in Oz. Her lightness, charisma, and vocal abilities made her the ideal choice to play the character in her magical journey.
Lea Michele—the eternal Oz rumor
For years, Lea Michele was pointed to as one of the possible Elphabas in a Wicked adaptation. With a powerful voice and a long career in musicals like Spring Awakening and Glee, she is a fan favorite.
On Watch What Happens Live, Michele confirmed she was never officially called for auditions but would love to play Elphaba. She even joked:
“I’m like backstage painting myself green just waiting for them to call.”
However, her connection to the Oz universe never went beyond speculation, leaving many wondering what could have been.
This statement was enough to keep alive her image as a potential Wicked Witch. Although she never officially stepped on the stage or set of Wicked, Michele remains a reference for musical fans and a reminder of how a rumor can shape audience expectations. Who knows if, one day, she'll cross the rainbow to Oz?
Conclusion—the weight of rejections and Oz's magic
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These stories reveal a more human and challenging side of the casting process: the tension of auditions, the emotions of coming close, and the magic of being part of something big. Each of these stars brought their talent and passion to the table, leaving their mark even without getting a role in the film.
In the end, Wicked continues to be a space for dreams - both for those who won their roles and those who stayed on the edges of Oz. And who knows about the future? Like in the magical world created by Gregory Maguire, everything can change at any moment.
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