'Wicked' Movie Director Reveals What Ariana Grande & Cynthia Erivo's Audition Process Was Like

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo will be starring as Glinda and Elphaba in the upcoming Wicked movie and the film’s director is opening up about the audition process.

Jon M. Chu responded to a fan who asked him to leak audition footage and while he didn’t release any videos, he did talk about the process for finding the leading ladies.

Click inside to find out what he said…

“It’s SO good. The whole room was in tears. I think one of the most overlooked facts of the #WickedMovie Casting was that EVERYONE HAD to audition. NO straight offers & they showed up! It was incredibly humbling to witness these actors spill their guts on the floor for this movie,” Jon tweeted.

On his Instagram Stories, Jon added, “Cynthia and Ariana EARNED their roles and brought our little audition room to tears multiple times throughout the process. I can’t believe I had the privilege of witnessing the birth of their Elphaba and Galinda. And one day you will too!!”

In another post, Jon shared photos of the moments he told both actresses the news and said, “So their emotions why they find out they got the part are REAL here. And raw. I get teared up just thinking about these moments of telling them.”

“I am so personally appreciative of every actor who came in and put themselves out there for the chance to be in #WickedMovie,” Jon added. “Everyone gave such different [takes] on the roles. It was an incredible display of talent, humility and artistry. I wish everyone could have witnessed the beauty that we did in those months.”

Jon later added on Twitter, “Facts on the #WickedMovie Casting. EVERYONE had to audition. Nobody had a free pass. And each had compelling, personal takes on these characters. I wish I could show you the footage. It is ridiculously moving but I’ll get it on camera for the movie for you to experience soon.”

Fans have petitioned to make sure this one actor does NOT land a role in the movie.