5 Shocking Details About Ariana Grande's 'Wicked' Credits: Why She Used Her Full Name

The anticipation for the cinematic adaptation of the Broadway juggernaut Wicked has reached a fever pitch, largely thanks to the casting of pop superstar Ariana Grande as Glinda the Good. As of today, the film's production details and credits are providing some of the most fascinating insights, particularly the emotional and deeply personal choice Grande made regarding her on-screen moniker. This is not just a standard credit; it's a "full-circle" moment that honors her family and her roots, a detail that has captivated fans and industry insiders alike. The two-part film saga, with its massive ensemble cast and powerhouse production team, promises to be one of the biggest movie events of the decade.

The decision to split the beloved musical into two separate films, Wicked: Part One (2024) and Wicked: For Good (2025), ensures that the full scope of the story—the complex relationship between Glinda and Elphaba—is told without cutting any of Stephen Schwartz’s iconic score. Understanding the full credits reveals the depth of talent involved, from director Jon M. Chu to the stellar supporting cast, cementing this adaptation's place as a monumental undertaking in musical cinema.

Ariana Grande-Butera: A Full Biography and Career Profile

The actress and singer is using her full legal name, Ariana Grande-Butera, in the credits for the Wicked films, a heartfelt nod to her family. Here is a brief profile of the star taking on the role of Glinda Upland.

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• Full Name: Ariana Grande-Butera
• Date of Birth: June 26, 1993
• Place of Birth: Boca Raton, Florida, U.S.
• Parents: Joan Grande (CEO) and Edward "Ed" Butera (Graphic Designer)
• Major Career Debut (Broadway): Charlotte in the musical 13 (2008)
• Breakthrough Role (TV): Cat Valentine in Nickelodeon's Victorious (2010–2013) and Sam & Cat (2013–2014)
• Music Career Highlights: Multiple Grammy Awards, 15 Billboard Music Awards, and numerous chart-topping albums including Yours Truly, Thank U, Next, and Eternal Sunshine.
• Wicked Role: Glinda Upland (Glinda the Good) in the two-part film adaptation.

The Emotional Reason Behind the "Grande-Butera" Credit

One of the most talked-about details of the *Wicked* production is the specific way Ariana Grande is credited. She is listed not just as "Ariana Grande," the name she is known by globally, but as "Ariana Grande-Butera."

Honoring Her Father, Ed Butera

The decision to use her full name, which includes her father's surname, Butera, was a deeply personal one. Grande has spoken publicly about the choice, explaining that it was a way to honor her father, Edward "Ed" Butera. She described the moment as a "full-circle" experience, tying her professional success back to her family roots.

This move is particularly poignant given the magnitude of the role. Glinda is a monumental part of musical theatre history, and by choosing this credit, Grande is grounding her biggest career moment yet in her personal history.

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A Return to Her Theatrical Roots

The use of her full name also subtly connects back to her earliest professional credits. Grande began her career in musical theater, landing a role in the Broadway production of *13* when she was just 15 years old. For a role as significant as Glinda, which she reportedly auditioned for three times, the decision to use her birth name signifies the seriousness and reverence she holds for the material and the craft of acting.

A Deep Dive into the Complete 'Wicked' Film Credits and Key Entities

The *Wicked* film adaptation is a massive undertaking, requiring a team of seasoned professionals and a star-studded cast. The credits for both *Wicked: Part One* (2024) and *Wicked: For Good* (2025) feature a truly impressive roster of talent, establishing the film’s immense topical authority in the musical genre.

The Stellar Main Cast (The Core Entities)

The on-screen credits are led by the two female leads, whose chemistry is central to the story of the misunderstood Elphaba Thropp and the popular Galinda Upland.

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• Ariana Grande-Butera: Glinda Upland (Glinda the Good)
• Cynthia Erivo: Elphaba Thropp (The Wicked Witch of the West)
• Jonathan Bailey: Fiyero Tigelaar (The love interest)
• Ethan Slater: Boq (A Munchkin who loves Glinda)
• Michelle Yeoh: Madame Morrible (Headmistress of Shiz University)
• Jeff Goldblum: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
• Peter Dinklage: Dr. Dillamond (A professor at Shiz)
• Bowen Yang: Pfannee

Key Production and Creative Credits (LSI Keywords)

Behind the camera, the creative team is responsible for translating the magic of the stage production to the big screen. These key entities form the backbone of the film's creative credits and are essential to its success.

• Director: Jon M. Chu (Known for *Crazy Rich Asians* and *In the Heights*)
• Screenplay: Winnie Holzman (Adapted from her own book for the original stage musical)
• Music and Lyrics: Stephen Schwartz (Original composer for the Broadway show)
• Producer: Marc Platt (Also a producer on the original stage musical)
• Production Designer: Nathan Crowley
• Costume Designer: Paul Tazewell
• Choreographer: Christopher Scott

The Two-Part Release Schedule and Theatrical Credits

The decision to split the film into two parts was made to ensure the narrative's integrity, allowing director Jon M. Chu to include more of the original musical's story and songs. This means the full "credits" for the *Wicked* saga are spread across two major theatrical releases.

Part One: The Introduction to Oz

*Wicked: Part One* (sometimes simply referred to as *Wicked* 2024) covers the initial meeting and developing friendship between Glinda and Elphaba at Shiz University. This film sets the stage for their eventual destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West. The film's theatrical run is a major event, and the credits for this part feature the first official use of "Ariana Grande-Butera."

Part Two: The Climax, "Wicked: For Good"

The sequel, *Wicked: For Good*, is scheduled to premiere on Friday, November 21, 2025. This second installment will conclude the story, leading up to the events of *The Wizard of Oz*. The title itself, *For Good*, is a direct reference to one of the musical's most iconic and emotional songs, reinforcing the central theme of enduring friendship. Both films are a testament to the enduring popularity of the original musical, which has been a staple of Broadway for decades.

The full *Wicked* credits, from the lead actors using their most personal names to the legendary creative team, highlight a production built on respect for the original material and a commitment to cinematic grandeur. The choice by Ariana Grande to be credited as Grande-Butera is more than a name; it’s a public declaration of the values she brings to this career-defining role.