Since Universal Pictures’ film adaptation of the beloved musical Wicked soared into theaters, the film has defied box office gravity with a record $114 million debut in the U.S, the biggest opening ever for a film based on a Broadway show. Before the film’s release, we Facetimed with Hattie Ryan who stars as a munchkin/Ozzien girl and Karis Musongole who plays a young Elphaba to learn more about their magical experience on set and what they learned from Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo.
Before you watch the interview, please note we will be talking spoilers from the film. The adaptation of the hit Broadway musical stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, misunderstood because of her green skin, who has yet to discover her true power, and Ariana Grande as Glinda, guided by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart. The two meet at Shiz University in the fantastical Land of Oz and forge an unlikely friendship. But when they encounter The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroad and their lives are taken on very different paths.
The film also stars Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, Bridgerton’s Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, Ethan Slater as Boq, Marissa Bode as Nessarose, and Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard of Oz. Part 2 of the film is set to hit theaters in November 2025. Wicked was Hattie and Karis’s big breaks into the film world and they are both members of the performing arts school Elm Arts Company in Oldham, Manchester England. We can only imagine the film roles and acting careers they will hopefully have from here!
We asked the two about the moment they found out they booked their roles, and both said they cried absolute tears of joy and were so happy to be a part of something so huge. What is this feeling?!
Both actresses got to meet and chat with the stars of the film. Hattie said Ariana Grande, who she shares an adorable moment with at the beginning of the film while holding Glinda’s hand, was so sweet. Hattie also said Ariana’s singing voice is even more incredible in person.
Hattie: “I did get to go in [Ariana’s] dressing room and say hi and she gave me a hug and we talked.”
Hattie: “When Ariana Grande sings, it’s like she is in an opera.”
Karis had a lot of conversations with Cynthia off screen and said she learned from Cynthia that it is okay to make mistakes and to be brave and she hopes to be like her when she grows up!
Karis. “[Cynthia and I] were holding hands and walking to set together and it was just amazing to be with an older version of me and I hope when I’m older, I grow up like her.”
Both Hattie and Karis agreed that it was so magical working on the set of Oz and was realistic, and it really did feel like a dream come true!
Hattie: “[Walking onto the Oz set] felt so magical, it felt like it wasn’t real. It felt like a dream.”
When reflecting on the entire filming experience, Hattie said she loved getting to sing and dance alongside so many talented people, and Karis loved meeting everyone on set, from the big stars to the director and entire crew. If you haven’t seen the film yet, what are you waiting for?!
Thank you, Hattie and Karis, for Facetiming with Young Entertainment! Be sure to watch the rest of the interview where we ask them more about funny behind-the-scenes moments and advice they have for aspiring young actors! While you’re there, be sure to like and subscribe to our channel for the latest news in young entertainment.
Consider this:
- For aspiring actors, go for it all the way. Be yourself completely, and it’s okay to make mistakes.
- If you are working on a set with actors with many years of experience, don’t be afraid to talk to them/ask them any questions or advice. They were once in your shoes and you can learn something new from every single person.
