The 7 Biggest Secrets Kristin Chenoweth Revealed About Her *Wicked* Movie Cameo And Ariana Grande’s Glinda

The anticipation surrounding the two-part film adaptation of the Broadway phenomenon *Wicked* has reached a fever pitch, and no one has a more unique perspective than the original Glinda the Good Witch herself, Kristin Chenoweth. As of this current date in December 2025, the biggest news is not just her emotional endorsement of the new film, but the confirmed details of her highly-anticipated, yet surprising, involvement in the first installment, which will hit theaters globally on November 22, 2024. Her reaction to watching the movie alongside her original co-star, Idina Menzel, has been described as an experience that will "never be the same," providing a powerful stamp of approval for the new generation.

The legendary actress and singer, who originated the role of Glinda on Broadway in 2003, has been an outspoken supporter of the film's star, Ariana Grande, but fans have been desperate to know if she would physically appear in the movie. The answer, which we will detail below, is a resounding yes, but the specific nature of her role—and why she won't be in the second film—reveals fascinating insights into director Jon M. Chu's vision for this beloved story.

Kristin Chenoweth: Broadway Icon and Glinda’s Original Biography

Kristin Dawn Chenoweth is an Emmy and Tony Award-winning actress and singer whose career spans musical theatre, film, and television. Her unique blend of classical vocal training, comedic timing, and powerful stage presence has cemented her status as a Broadway legend.

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• Full Name: Kristin Dawn Chenoweth
• Date of Birth: July 24, 1968
• Place of Birth: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, U.S.
• Education: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theater and a Master's degree in Opera Performance from Oklahoma City University.
• Broadway Debut: Steel Pier (1997)
• Major Career Highlights:
• Tony Award Win: Best Featured Actress in a Musical for You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown (1999).
• Original Glinda: Originated the role of Glinda in the smash-hit musical Wicked (2003), earning a Tony nomination.
• Emmy Award Win: Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for Pushing Daisies (2009).
• Television Roles: Known for her roles in The West Wing and *Glee*.
• Current Status: Continues to perform in concerts and on stage, and is an active mentor to young performers.

The Truth About Kristin Chenoweth’s Role in the *Wicked* Movie Duology

For years, the question of whether the original stars, Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel (the original Elphaba), would appear in the film adaptation was the subject of intense speculation. Given their foundational roles in establishing the show's legacy, a cameo seemed necessary. The latest information confirms their involvement, but with a surprising twist that honors the source material in a clever, meta way.

A Surprise Cameo in *Wicked* (Part One)

It has been confirmed that Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel do appear in the first film, *Wicked*, which adapts the first act of the stage musical. Their appearance is not as Glinda and Elphaba, but as two enchantresses who explain a prophecy about the Wizard's Grimmerie during a sequence known as the "Wiz-O-Mania" performance.

This subtle, yet significant, cameo serves as a passing of the torch to the new cast, led by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. Director Jon M. Chu and the production team, including writer Winnie Holzman, clearly aimed to pay respect to the women who brought the characters to life on Broadway while focusing the narrative squarely on the new stars.

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Why She Won't Be in *Wicked: For Good* (Part Two)

While their cameo is a highlight of the first film, it has also been reported that neither Chenoweth nor Menzel will return for the second installment, *Wicked: For Good*. This makes sense, as the second movie will focus on the dramatic conclusion of Elphaba and Glinda’s story, which diverges from the first film’s setup and likely has no narrative space for the "Wiz-O-Mania" sequence.

The decision to limit their appearance to the first part ensures their contribution is a special moment—a delightful nod to the show's history—rather than a distraction from the main plot of the final chapter. The second film is scheduled for release on November 25, 2025.

Kristin Chenoweth’s Emotional Endorsement of Ariana Grande and the Film

Perhaps more impactful than her cameo is Chenoweth’s overwhelmingly positive reaction to the *Wicked* movie and the performance of her successor, Ariana Grande. Chenoweth has been a dedicated mentor to Grande, often sharing stories and advice about playing the "Bubble Witch" (Glinda) and singing the iconic song "Popular."

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Her public statements have been a massive boost for the film's credibility, assuring longtime fans that the adaptation is in good hands.

"I'll Never Be the Same"

After attending a screening with the original Broadway cast, Chenoweth took to social media to express her profound reaction. She stated that watching the film was an experience that left her utterly changed, declaring, "I’ll never be the same." This is an extremely powerful endorsement from the person whose performance defined the role of Glinda for two decades.

Her praise specifically highlighted the incredible work of the entire production, including director Jon M. Chu and the entire team who filmed the movie in England at locations like Sky Studios Elstree.

Praise for Ariana Grande’s Glinda

Chenoweth has consistently shown immense pride in Ariana Grande, who plays Glinda in the movie. She has noted that she feels like a "proud mama" watching Grande take on the role. This mentorship and emotional connection between the two actresses is a crucial element of the film's narrative, suggesting a seamless transition from the stage legacy to the screen adaptation.

Chenoweth has shared details about how Glinda’s character evolved on Broadway, telling Grande and Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba) that Glinda was originally conceived as a smaller, "side character" before she and Idina Menzel developed the roles into the iconic duo they became. This historical context underscores the weight of the roles and the pressure on the new cast, making Chenoweth’s praise all the more significant.

The Legacy: From Broadway to the Land of Oz

The journey of *Wicked* from Gregory Maguire's novel to Stephen Schwartz’s musical, and now to a major Universal Pictures film, is a testament to the enduring power of the story of Glinda and Elphaba. Kristin Chenoweth’s initial portrayal of the bubbly, sometimes naive, but ultimately good-hearted Glinda set the standard for every actress who followed.

Her performance, particularly in show-stopping numbers like "Popular" and her duets with Menzel, established the emotional core of the musical. By providing her blessing and a cameo, Chenoweth has not only paid homage to her own history but has also successfully bridged the gap between the original Broadway experience and the new cinematic vision. The film, which also stars Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero and Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, is set to be one of the biggest movie events of 2024.

Fans can look forward to seeing the highly anticipated first part, *Wicked*, in late 2024, knowing that its original Good Witch is fully on board with the spectacular journey to the Land of Oz.