The Stars Who ALMOST Defied Gravity: 15+ Celebrities Who Auditioned For The 'Wicked' Movie

The highly-anticipated film adaptation of the Broadway juggernaut Wicked, split into two cinematic parts, has captivated the world, not just for its dazzling visuals and music, but for its rigorous and highly competitive casting process. As of December 2025, with Wicked Part One having recently premiered and the sequel on the horizon, the spotlight is firmly on the final cast: Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda. However, the road to Oz was paved with the dreams and intense auditions of dozens of other major celebrities, many of whom came incredibly close to landing the iconic roles.

The sheer volume of A-list talent that vied for a spot in director Jon M. Chu's vision speaks volumes about the musical's cultural significance. From Oscar nominees to pop superstars and Broadway veterans, the audition room for the Wicked movie was a star-studded gauntlet. This deep dive uncovers the surprising and sometimes heartbreaking stories of the celebrities who worked tirelessly to defy gravity, but ultimately saw their roles go to others, providing a fresh and unique perspective on the film's production.

The Glinda Gauntlet: A-Listers Who Vied for the Role of the Good Witch

The role of Glinda the Good, the bubbly, beloved, and ultimately complex witch, was the most hotly contested part in the entire production. While Ariana Grande’s casting felt like a natural fit to many, the list of actresses who went through a grueling audition process is astonishing. The level of commitment shown by these stars highlights just how coveted the role was.

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Amanda Seyfried's Six Auditions and Unwavering Dedication

Perhaps the most famous near-miss story belongs to Oscar-nominated actress Amanda Seyfried. The star of Mamma Mia! and Les Misérables was incredibly vocal about her desire to play Glinda and revealed a surprisingly intense audition process. Seyfried candidly admitted that she auditioned for the role a staggering six times, demonstrating a relentless drive to secure the part.

• The Process: Seyfried worked with a vocal coach and a choreographer for months, even performing "Popular" during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The Dedication: She saw the long, drawn-out audition process as a personal victory, stating that even though she didn't get the role, the experience allowed her to grow as a singer and prove her capabilities.
• The Outcome: Despite her hard work, the role ultimately went to Ariana Grande, a decision Seyfried has publicly supported, expressing excitement for the final film.

Dove Cameron and Reneé Rapp: The Final Contenders

The casting of Glinda reportedly came down to a few final contenders, two of whom were already major figures in the musical theater and television world: Dove Cameron and Reneé Rapp.

• Dove Cameron: The Disney Channel alum and Broadway star confirmed she auditioned for the role she had long been fan-cast for. Her audition piece was reportedly "How Can I Lose You?" from the musical If/Then, showcasing her vocal range and dramatic ability. Cameron has since expressed her excitement for the final cast, noting that the audition process was a meaningful experience for everyone involved.
• Reneé Rapp: Known for playing Regina George in the Broadway and film versions of Mean Girls, Rapp was another major name in the running. She has a powerhouse voice and a proven track record in musical theater. Her involvement in the final rounds of auditions was widely reported, cementing her status as a serious contender for the role.

Other major stars rumored or confirmed to have been in talks for Glinda at various stages included Taylor Louderman, who originated the role of Regina George on Broadway, and even pop superstar Lady Gaga.

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The Elphaba Enigma: Stars Who Sought the Green Role

The role of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, requires a rare combination of raw vocal power, emotional depth, and stage presence. Cynthia Erivo, an Oscar and Tony nominee, set an impossibly high bar, but a number of other phenomenal singers and actresses threw their hats into the ring for the highly coveted part.

• Anna Kendrick: Known for her musical film work in the Pitch Perfect series and Into the Woods, Kendrick was reportedly considered for the role of Elphaba. Her impressive vocal chops and acting range made her a strong candidate in early discussions.
• Jessie J: The British pop star and vocal powerhouse was another surprising name mentioned in casting rumors for the green-skinned witch. Her incredible vocal ability would have brought a unique, pop-infused texture to songs like "Defying Gravity."
• Ariana DeBose: The Oscar-winning star of West Side Story and a Broadway veteran was also reportedly in talks for the role, demonstrating the production's interest in performers with a strong foundation in both film and theater.
• Nicole Scherzinger & Samantha Barks: Both accomplished musical theater performers—Scherzinger with a pop background and Barks known for her role in Les Misérables—were among the many talented women considered for the physically and vocally demanding role.

Fiyero, Morrible, and The Wizard: The Supporting Roles That Attracted Superstars

The star power didn't stop with the two leading ladies. The pivotal supporting roles of Fiyero (Elphaba and Glinda's love interest), Madame Morrible (the manipulative Headmistress), and The Wizard also attracted some of the biggest names in Hollywood and the music industry.

The Fiyero Finalists: Pop Idols in the Running

The role of Fiyero, ultimately played by Jonathan Bailey, requires charm, a smooth vocal quality, and a charismatic screen presence. The casting search drew in some of the world's biggest male pop stars, demonstrating a push for bankable, globally recognized talent.

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• The Jonas Brothers: Both Nick Jonas and Joe Jonas openly confirmed that they auditioned for the role of Fiyero. Nick Jonas, in particular, spoke about his audition experience, noting that he felt it "went really well." Their deep history in music and previous Broadway experience made them strong contenders for the romantic lead.
• Shawn Mendes: Pop sensation Shawn Mendes was also reportedly a serious candidate for the role, with insiders claiming he auditioned and was "so close" to landing the part. This news surprised many, showcasing the broad reach of the casting call.
• Harry Styles: While it's unclear if he formally auditioned, the former One Direction star was rumored to be on the production's "casting wishlist" for Fiyero, a testament to his undeniable charisma and global appeal.

Madame Morrible's Surprising Candidates

The complex and powerful role of Madame Morrible, which went to Oscar-winner Michelle Yeoh, also saw a surprising line-up of actresses auditioning, including some true Hollywood icons.

• Jennifer Lopez (J.Lo): The global superstar was rumored to have auditioned for the role of the morally ambiguous headmistress. Her dramatic flair and undeniable presence would have brought a unique intensity to the character.
• Hannah Waddingham: The Emmy-winning star of Ted Lasso and a seasoned West End performer was another name that surfaced in discussions. Waddingham’s incredible voice and powerful acting made her a natural fit for the theatrical role.
• Sheryl Lee Ralph: The Tony and Emmy winner, known for her work on Broadway and in film, was also considered, with some fans wishing the production had gone with the Broadway veteran.

The Lasting Legacy of the Audition Room

The extensive and public nature of the Wicked movie casting process has created a fascinating narrative in Hollywood, one that goes beyond who got the part and focuses on the sheer dedication of those who tried. The stories of Amanda Seyfried's tenacity, the Jonas Brothers' musical theater ambition, and the final face-off between Dove Cameron and Reneé Rapp for the Glinda role are now integral parts of the film's history.

This massive casting call reaffirmed Wicked's status as a true cultural phenomenon. For many of the actors who auditioned, the experience was a rigorous test of their skills and a chance to prove their vocal and dramatic capabilities to a new generation of casting directors. While only a few ultimately made it to the Land of Oz, the stories of those who almost did provide a compelling, behind-the-scenes look at one of the most competitive film productions in recent memory. The intense scrutiny and high stakes of the Wicked film auditions ensure that the saga of its casting will be discussed for years to come, long after the final credits roll on Wicked Part Two.