Wicked star Ariana Grande reacts to the viral poster edit. Grande plays Glinda, one of the main characters in the movie musical adaptation. Opposite Grande is Broadway legend Cynthia Erivo, who is playing Elphaba in the film and is known for her Tony winning role on Broadway playing Celie in The Color Purple. In addition to Erivo and Grande, Wicked features a leading cast including Michelle Yeoh, Keala Settle, Jonathan Bailey, Marissa Bode, Ethan Slater, and Jeff Goldblum. It is set for release on November 22.
In an interview with Variety, Grande reacts to recent A.I. edits of the Wicked poster. According to the actor, this issue is “very complicated” when it comes to photo edits that specifically involve the use of artificial intelligence. She understands that “the fans are gonna have fun and make their edits” and recognizes that this is “such a massive adjustment period.” When prompted by the interviewer that “sometimes it goes too far,” Grande agreed and said that she has “so much respect for [her] sister Cynthia.” Check out the full quote from Grande below:
It’s very complicated, because I find A.I. so conflicting and troublesome sometimes. But I think it’s just kind of such a massive adjustment period, and this is something that is such a – it’s so much bigger than us. And the fans are gonna have fun and make their edits, but of course…I have so much respect for my sister Cynthia, and I love her so much.
What Grande’s Response Means For The Wicked Poster Debate
Grande Is In Support Of Erivo
Grande’s commentary surrounding the Wicked poster comes over a week after the Wicked movie initially released a new poster for the film. This poster paid tribute to the original Broadway poster, showing Glinda whispering in Elphaba’s ear. In this version, however, one can see Elphaba’s face, whereas the stage musical poster obscured her eyes with her hat. Aided by A.I., some fans took it upon themselves to make edits of the poster that obscured Erivo’s eyes. Erivo herself found this incredibly offensive, deeming the edits “deeply harmful.”
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Grande’s statement is not nearly as potent as Erivo’s herself. After all, though, Grande was not the one whose face was obscured by the edits. Still, her statement is definitely in support of Erivo, although she mentioned that she “love[s] her so much” and respects her, thus implying that she will support her in this endeavor. The statement will likely spur ongoing debate about the ethics of using A.I. to edit the Wicked poster and use A.I. for similar purposes.
Our Take On The Wicked Poster Debate
Issues Surrounding A.I. Will Be Ongoing
While I can see why fans might want to edit the poster to match the original, Erivo has been very clear about her stance on the changes. Grande’s statement also brings up the important point in how the Wicked edit relates to the dangers of A.I. This is something that has come up in the film industry regarding the use of A.I. to recreate late actors’ voices, something that has deeply upset family members of said actors. The Wicked poster is more fuel to the fire, but it is just the star of what will likely be a years-long effort for balance when weighing the use of A.I. versus showing human faces.
Source: Variety
Wicked adapts the Broadway musical into a two-part film, following the unlikely friendship between Elphaba, born with green skin, and Glinda, a popular aristocrat, in the Land of Oz. As they navigate their contrasting paths, they evolve into Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
DirectorJon M. Chu
Release DateNovember 22, 2024
Studio(s)Marc Platt Productions
Distributor(s)Universal Pictures
WritersGregory Maguire , Winnie Holzman , Dana Fox , L. Frank Baum
Character(s)Elphaba Thropp , Glinda Upland , Madame Morrible , The Wizard , Fiyero Tigelaar , Boq , Nessarose Thropp , Pfannee , ShenShen , Miss Coddle , Doctor Dillamond (voice) , Avaric Tenmeadows , Gilligan , Professor Nikidik , Glinda’s Father , Governor Frexspar Thropp , Melena Thropp , The Midwife
Runtime160 Minutes
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