Ariana Grande filmed emotional scenes as Glinda The Good Witch in her full costume as production continued on the Buckinghamshire set of Wicked’s highly-anticipated Hollywood adaptation.
It comes just days after darkly-lit production stills were released of the singer, 29, and her co-star Cynthia Erivo, 36, who will playing the part of Elphaba, originated by star Idina Menzel in the musical.
The 7 Rings songstress looked majestic in a stunning pink gown with a silver crown and iridescent scepter, as she glided into view atop a golden carriage – filming what appears to be one of the opening scenes from the movie.
She was spotted throwing a flame into a furnace as the citizens of Oz sang and danced in the musical number, No One Mourns the Wicked, according to onlookers on Wednesday.
Ariana joined the Ozians as they celebrated the death of the Wicked Witch of the West.
Spellbinding! Ariana Grande filmed emotional scenes as Glinda The Good Witch in her full costume as production continued on the Buckinghamshire set of Wicked’s highly-anticipated Hollywood adaptation
Looking wicked! The 7 Rings songstress looked majestic in a stunning pink gown with a silver crown and iridescent scepter, as she glided into view atop a golden carriage – filming what appears to be one of the opening scenes from the movie
After lighting the fire, she then went back up the steps towards the large gold throne, which had brought her into the Land of Oz.
In the original 2003 musical – that won three Tony Awards – the role of Glinda was originated by Kristin Chenoweth.
Beneath Ariana’s platform, numerous actors playing townspeople assembled, all dressed in costume.
The incredible village was exquisitely done up, with cottages containing colorful thatched roofs decorated with flowers.
Of course, the iconic yellow brick road spiraled across town, including the area where the villagers and Ariana had gathered.
A massive poster warning villagers of the Wicked Watch was plastered against one of the cottages.
Aerial photos of the set captured the scale of the massive production, with the tiny town constructed upon a farmland in Ivanhoe, a village in east Buckinghamshire.
Filming was done with the assistance of towering cranes and a huge team of crew members working behind-the-scenes.
Iconic role: In the original 2003 musical – that won three Tony Awards – the role of Glinda was originated by Kristin Chenoweth
Put a spell on you! The songstress wielded an iridescent scepter
Star treatment! Stylists made some finishing touches on Grande
Magical: Ariana looked stunning perched upon a majestic gold carriage
Making friends: The former Voice coach appeared to have made a new pal in one production member
Yum! The BRIT Award winner looked delighted as she sipped from a coffee through a straw
According to eyewitnesses, villagers were celebrating the death of the Wicked Witch as they welcomed Glinda into their town.
As Ariana made her grand entrance, the townspeople clapped and cheered and even danced on the streets.
They all broke out into the song No One Mourns the Wicked once she began climbing down the staircase.
The film is based on Gregory Maguire’s best selling novel and the hit Broadway musical adaptation, which debuted in 2003 starring Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel.
It is a prequel to the The Wizard of Oz in which the storyline proceeds Dorothy and details the one-time friendship between the Elphaba and Glinda characters.
It also stars Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible and Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, as well as Bowen Yang, Adam James, Keala Settle and Bronwyn James.
Wicked, which is being adapted into a two-part series, has kept details of its shoot under wraps.
Wicked Part 1 was originally set for a Christmas Day, 2024 release but it has been moved up to November 27, 2024, with the second installment set to arrive December 25, 2025.
Welcome to the Land of Oz: The Buckinghamshire set was transformed into a splendid village
Lights, camera, action! Photos captured the massive production effort behind the upcoming adaptation
Beware! A massive poster warned townspeople of the Wicked Witch
Townspeople: Numerous actors were assembled, all dressed in costume
Last month, Jeff Goldblum let it slip that he had been cast in the film while appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live.
‘I was just on the set of Wicked. I’m not supposed to talk about that. But it’s been out and about,’ he said. ‘You should see our witches, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, very good.’
On Sunday, the stars of the film, Ariana and Cynthia, posted first look images from their upcoming movie.
Ariana posted an image of her character, the good witch Glinda, donning a pink gown while making her way up a long staircase.
Cynthia, 36, shared a shot of her character, wicked witch Elphaba pictured with her hat and broom.
The film’s director Jon M. Chu posted both of shots with the caption, ‘You weren’t told the whole story. What happens when you veer off the Yellow Brick Road? FIRST LOOK of the #WickedMovie … currently in production in Oz.’
Cynthia responded in the comments, ‘It’s been wonderful making magic with you.’
Chu also took to Twitter to praise his leading ladies and their performances in the upcoming movie.
‘I’ve already been changed for good by these two women… #CynthiaErivo & #ArianaGrande as the Witches of Oz,’ he said. ‘They will lift ur spirits, break ur heart and leave you speechless with their voices. So excited to introduce you into our world… SO much more to come…’
First look! Grande, Erivo, and director Jon M. Chu shared first look images from the film on Sunday
