12 Shocking Stars Who Auditioned For The Wicked Movie (And Who Almost Played Elphaba & Glinda)

The casting process for the long-awaited Wicked movie adaptation was a spectacular, star-studded affair that spanned years and saw nearly every major Hollywood and Broadway talent vie for a role. As of late 2025, with the first part of the film, Wicked: Part One, having premiered to massive success, the world is now familiar with the phenomenal performances of Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda. However, the journey to finding these "perfect" witches was filled with shocking near-misses and high-profile auditions from celebrities whose names you would never expect to see in a casting room for the Land of Oz.

The film's director, Jon M. Chu, initially expressed a desire to cast lesser-known actors, but the sheer volume of A-list talent eager to join the project quickly changed the scope of the search. Ultimately, the production had to make some incredibly tough decisions, leaving a trail of famous actors who were almost cast in the iconic roles of the Wicked Witch of the West and the Good Witch.

The Shocking List of Actors Who Auditioned for the Wicked Movie

The casting for the Wicked film was arguably the most scrutinized and anticipated process in modern musical cinema history. While the final cast—Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, and Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero—are now cemented in Ozian lore, the list of those who auditioned reveals a parallel universe of what the movie could have looked like. This is a deep dive into the most surprising stars who tried out for a trip down the yellow brick road.

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The Glinda Contenders: A Battle of Blondes and Broadway Veterans

The role of Glinda the Good Witch, famously originated by Kristin Chenoweth on Broadway, attracted a huge number of high-profile actresses. The final choice, pop superstar Ariana Grande, had long been a vocal fan of the musical, but the competition was fierce and included several established screen and stage stars.

• Amanda Seyfried: Perhaps the most famous star to openly discuss her unsuccessful audition, Amanda Seyfried revealed she spent her weekends while filming The Dropout dedicated to auditioning for Glinda. She even recorded herself singing "Popular" and sent it to the production team. Her commitment was intense, showing a deep desire to land the role.
• Renée Rapp: A Broadway and screen darling, Renée Rapp was a strong contender for Glinda. She is well-known for her powerful voice and for starring in the Broadway production of Mean Girls and the HBO series The Sex Lives of College Girls. Her audition was highly praised, making her a fan-favorite alternative before Grande was cast.
• Dove Cameron: Known for her roles in Disney Channel productions and her successful music career, Dove Cameron was also deep in the running for Glinda. She is a highly capable vocalist and performer, making her one of the top names often cited in casting rumors.
• Taylor Louderman: A true Broadway powerhouse, Taylor Louderman was another major name who auditioned for the role of Glinda. She received a Tony nomination for originating the role of Regina George in Mean Girls, demonstrating her comedic timing and vocal prowess.

The Elphaba Hopefuls: Defying Gravity with Other Voices

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The role of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, requires a rare combination of raw acting talent and a vocal range capable of tackling the demanding score, especially the iconic "Defying Gravity." While Tony and Grammy winner Cynthia Erivo was a natural choice, many other stars were considered.

• Lady Gaga: Before the current production team was in place, Lady Gaga was heavily rumored to be attached to the role of Elphaba. While the extent of her official audition is unclear, she was certainly a major name in talks for the role when the film was in earlier stages of development with a different director.
• Cristin Milioti: The actress, known for How I Met Your Mother and Palm Springs, revealed she had a "failed" audition for the role of Elphaba. She is a talented singer and stage performer, having been in the original Broadway cast of Once.
• Nicole Scherzinger: The former Pussycat Dolls singer and West End star was also reportedly in talks with producers for the role of Elphaba. Her powerful voice and stage experience made her a strong candidate.
• Ariana DeBose: The Oscar-winning star of West Side Story and a celebrated Broadway performer (Hamilton, Summer: The Donna Summer Musical) was also rumored to be in talks for the role of Elphaba at one point in the casting process.

Fiyero and Other Key Roles: The Men Who Almost Danced

The role of Fiyero, the charming love interest, and Madame Morrible, the manipulative headmistress, also saw a host of famous faces audition or be considered. The final casting of Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero and Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible brought an international flavor to the cast, but the competition for Fiyero was especially noteworthy.

The Fiyero Finalists: Pop Stars and Broadway Leads

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Fiyero is a crucial role that requires a blend of charisma, good looks, and a solid singing voice. The Jonas Brothers, known for their pop music and acting careers, were a major presence in the audition process.

• Nick Jonas: The youngest Jonas Brother confirmed he auditioned for the role of Fiyero. Nick Jonas has a significant background in musical theatre, having starred in Broadway's How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying and Les Misérables.
• Joe Jonas: Nick's older brother, Joe Jonas, also reportedly auditioned for the Fiyero role. Both brothers pursuing the same part highlights the high-stakes nature of the casting.
• Ryan McCartan: Known for his work on Disney Channel and Broadway (Heathers: The Musical), Ryan McCartan was another strong contender for Fiyero, demonstrating the production's search for a mix of screen and stage talent.
• Spencer Sutherland: The singer-songwriter and former X Factor contestant also threw his hat into the ring, auditioning for a role in the film.

Madame Morrible and The Wizard Rumors

The supporting roles, while smaller, are equally pivotal and attracted major talent. The role of Madame Morrible, which went to Michelle Yeoh, saw some surprising names surface in earlier casting discussions.

• Jennifer Lopez: The global superstar, J.Lo, was rumored to be a contender for Madame Morrible, which would have brought a very different energy to the character than the one Michelle Yeoh ultimately delivered.
• Sheryl Lee Ralph: The Emmy-winning actress and Broadway legend (original Dreamgirl) was also cited in casting rumors for Madame Morrible, an indication of the caliber of talent the film was attracting.
• Harry Styles: Though unconfirmed and likely a persistent rumor, the pop star's name was often mentioned in early fan discussions for the role of Fiyero, demonstrating the massive public interest in the casting.
• Amy Adams: There were also rumors that the Oscar-nominated actress Amy Adams was considered or auditioned for a role, though the specific part remains unclear.

The Director’s Vision: Why Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande Were Chosen

The ultimate decision to cast Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande came down to a few key factors that transcended celebrity status. Director Jon M. Chu and the producers were looking for a specific chemistry, vocal compatibility, and a deep understanding of the characters' emotional arcs.

Cynthia Erivo, a celebrated EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) nominee, possesses a powerhouse voice and dramatic acting chops that make her a natural Elphaba. Her ability to convey the character's pain and power was unmatched. Ariana Grande, a lifelong fan of the musical, brought a unique blend of pop star recognition and a technically flawless, legit soprano voice that perfectly suited Glinda's operatic moments and bubbly personality. The chemistry between the two was reportedly electric, which was a non-negotiable factor for the film's success.

The extensive audition process, which included stars like Amanda Seyfried and Renée Rapp, ultimately served to confirm that Erivo and Grande were the destined pairing. While it's fascinating to look back at the "what ifs" of the casting, the final choices were a strategic and artistic triumph, setting the stage for one of the biggest movie events of 2024 and 2025.

The Legacy of the Unsuccessful Wicked Auditions

The sheer number of major celebrities who auditioned for the Wicked movie speaks volumes about the musical's enduring cultural impact and the prestige of the roles. For many of these actors, including Amanda Seyfried, the audition was a passion project, not just another job. Their willingness to put themselves out there for a dream role provides a rare, candid look into the competitive nature of Hollywood casting.

Ultimately, the casting of the Wicked film proves that even in an era dominated by celebrity, the right combination of talent, chemistry, and unique vocal quality is what truly wins the day. The actors who auditioned but didn't get the part—the Glinda hopefuls, the Elphaba contenders, and the Fiyero near-misses—are now part of the musical's rich, behind-the-scenes history, forever linked to the Land of Oz.