What is the viral 'Holding Space' meme recreated by Timothee Chalamet and Elle Fanning? Meaning and origins decoded

Elle Fanning and Timothee Chalamet via Getty
Elle Fanning and Timothee Chalamet via Getty

A joke between two Wicked stars became a worldwide hit when Timothée Chalamet and Elle Fanning hilariously recreated the now-iconic "Holding Space" meme. Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo's tearful interview clip has had Wicked fans talking, but none anticipated Chalamet and Fanning to take center stage and steal the show.

As they skilfully reproduced the scene, the pair's crazy yet charming chemistry lit up social media, giving a meme that was already famous in the queer community a new life. Consequently, the humorous recreation of the meme was adored by followers, throwing meme aficionados into a frenzy.

However, what is the "Holding Space" meme exactly? And what caused this impromptu interview footage to become so widely used in popular culture? Let's explore the beginnings and fan reactions of this viral phenomenon, regardless of whether you're a meme enthusiast or just here for the chuckles.


The story behind the viral meme Timothée Chalamet and Elle Fanning couldn’t resist recreating

The 'Holding Space' meme's beginnings

In a promotional interview for the upcoming Wicked movie, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo discussed the emotional depth of their characters as Glinda and Elphaba, which gave rise to the "Holding Space" meme. The two held hands and exchanged profoundly meaningful looks as the interview took an unexpectedly emotional turn. Fans quickly focused on the intense feelings of the occasion, giving rise to the "Holding Space" meme.

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The two actresses were supposed to have a sincere relationship, but meme culture had other ideas. People soon dubbed the clip one of the most melodramatic moments in pop culture history, turning it into a delightfully overdone moment. In a typical instance of a genuine situation being twisted into meme fodder, followers were immediately "holding space" for everything from awkward Zoom meetings to Starbucks orders.


Timothée and Elle's chaotic recreation

Timothée Chalamet and Elle Fanning are two celebrities who are well-known for their humorous, impromptu pranks. Social media went crazy when the pair decided to add their own spin to the famous moment during a recent event. Their parodies of the notorious interview were unexpected, but they provided the crazy energy the internet didn't realize it needed.

Fans were enamored with their accurate portrayal, with Fanning's intense, fake-serious looks and Chalamet's over-the-top handshakes elevating the meme to new levels. It served as a humorous reminder to many that even celebrities in Hollywood enjoy a good meme.


Fan reactions: Twitter explodes

As expected, Twitter was quick to react with a flurry of comments ranging from pure adoration to light-hearted criticism:

A fan said:

"this is truly one of the most impactful memes of all time"

Another quipped,

"Not them clowning Ariana and Cynthia"

One user didn't appear amused, saying,

"It was cute exactly once"

Chalamet and Fanning's chemistry was particularly well-liked by fans, who frequently remarked on how their relaxed, unadulterated personalities came through in this scene. The initial "Wicked" meme was the subject of comments from others, who suggested that it had been "milked" a bit too much by this point. Nevertheless, the actors' light-hearted approach was overwhelmingly praised.


Decoding the meme’s deeper meaning

Fundamentally, the 'Holding Space' meme illustrates how sincere media moments can be reframed through a humorous perspective. Even though Ariana and Cynthia's conversation was sincere, it served as a reminder that even the most sincere situations may turn into something amusing on the internet.

'Holding Space' has become a meme that blurs the boundaries between satire and earnestness, whether it's because of fans remixing it for various circumstances or Chalamet and Fanning giving it fresh life. This meme wonderfully captures that balance for a Gen Z audience that enjoys sardonic humor.


The "Holding Space" meme is a shining illustration of how pop culture can be simultaneously sentimental and ridiculous in a world where memes are common and viral moments emerge rapidly. The meme has become ingrained in internet history as a result of Timothée Chalamet and Elle Fanning's amusing remake.

Though the initial exchange between Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo may have been sincere, the internet managed to make it into a joke. If we know anything, it's that memes like this one aren't going away anytime soon.

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Edited by Nimisha Bansal