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The Shocking List Of 4 Stars Who Lost The 'Glinda' Role To Ariana Grande In The Wicked Movie

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The casting of Glinda the Good Witch for the highly anticipated *Wicked* film adaptation was one of the most secretive and competitive processes in recent Hollywood history, with nearly every major musical theatre and pop star vying for the iconic role. As the film's November 2024 release date approaches, the intense competition has become a major topic of discussion, revealing a star-studded list of actresses who went through grueling, months-long auditions only to ultimately lose the part to pop superstar Ariana Grande. The sheer star power of the confirmed contenders—including an Oscar nominee and multiple Broadway veterans—proves just how coveted the chance to sing "Popular" on the big screen truly was, making the final decision by director Jon M. Chu and the casting team a true Hollywood secret revealed in the last couple of years.

This article, updated for late 2025, dives deep into the intense casting process, the behind-the-scenes drama, and the four major stars who were confirmed to be in the running for the role of Galinda/Glinda, providing the freshest details on their specific audition experiences and what they are doing now. The role, famously originated on Broadway by Kristin Chenoweth, saw a new generation of talent emerge, all hoping to join Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba in the cinematic journey to Oz.

The Star-Studded Lineup: Actresses Who Auditioned for Glinda in the Wicked Film

The casting for the *Wicked* movie (parts one and two) was helmed by legendary casting directors Bernard Telsey and Tiffany Little Canfield, who were tasked with finding performers who could live up to the original Broadway legacy while bringing cinematic star quality. The process was lengthy, with some actresses auditioning for up to six months. The following four names are the most prominently confirmed contenders who challenged Ariana Grande for the role.

1. Amanda Seyfried: The Oscar Nominee Who Tried Six Times

Perhaps the most famous name on the list, Academy Award nominee Amanda Seyfried was relentless in her pursuit of the role. Seyfried, already a veteran of movie musicals like *Mamma Mia!* and *Les Misérables*, revealed she auditioned for Glinda a staggering six times.

  • The Audition Grind: Seyfried stated that she was "literally bent over backwards" while simultaneously filming the critically acclaimed series *The Dropout*, where she played Elizabeth Holmes.
  • The Effort: She spent her weekends flying to New York to audition in person, showing her deep commitment to the character she had dreamed of playing.
  • Her Reaction: Despite the loss, Seyfried has been gracious, expressing her excitement for the final cast, including her appreciation for Ariana Grande's talent.

2. Dove Cameron: The Fan-Favorite Disney Star

Dove Cameron, known for her work on the Disney Channel and her role in *Hairspray Live!* alongside Grande, was a long-time fan-favorite to play Glinda. Her musical background and bright, effervescent persona made her a natural fit in the eyes of many fans.

  • The Process: Cameron confirmed that she went through a "long audition process" for the role, indicating she was a serious contender deep into the final rounds.
  • Audition Song: She revealed that she performed "How Can I Lose You?" from the musical *The Toxic Avenger* during her audition, showcasing her unique vocal range.
  • Current Project: Though she didn't get Glinda, Cameron's career has soared, cementing her status as a major pop and acting talent.

3. Renée Rapp: The Broadway and TV Breakout Star

Renée Rapp is a formidable talent who had already established her own connection to a famous 'mean girl' role: she played Regina George in the Broadway production of *Mean Girls*. Rapp’s powerful voice and recent success in HBO’s *The Sex Lives of College Girls* made her a strong candidate.

  • The Confession: Rapp admitted to auditioning for Glinda during an appearance on *Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen*.
  • The Outcome: Like the others, she ultimately expressed her support for Ariana Grande, calling the final Glinda actress a "living icon."
  • Career Trajectory: Rapp has since become a major star, successfully transitioning from Broadway to television and a massive pop music career, proving that the Glinda audition was just one step in her rapid ascent.

4. Taylor Louderman: The Original Broadway Regina George

Another Broadway powerhouse and *Mean Girls* connection, Taylor Louderman was the actress who originated the role of Regina George on Broadway, earning a Tony nomination for her performance. Her extensive experience in musical theatre made her a highly qualified contender.

  • The Audition: Louderman revealed that she tried out for the role of Glinda, adding another layer of Broadway legitimacy to the pool of candidates.
  • The Disappointment: She shared her disappointment on social media after the casting announcement, but quickly followed up with a message of support for the final cast.
  • The Legacy: Her inclusion in the final audition list highlights the casting team's commitment to considering top-tier Broadway talent for the film.

The Intention Behind the Final Casting: Why Ariana Grande Won

The intense competition, which included the four confirmed stars above, raises the question: what made Ariana Grande the definitive choice for director Jon M. Chu? The answer lies in a combination of star power, a deep personal connection to the role, and a unique vocal quality.

A Lifelong Dream and Dedication

Ariana Grande’s connection to *Wicked* is not new; it is a lifelong passion. She has openly discussed her love for the musical and the role of Glinda for years. This deep, personal investment was evident in her audition process, which was as rigorous as any other contender’s.

  • The Prep: Grande reportedly spent six months preparing for her audition, a testament to her dedication, proving she wasn't just relying on her global fame.
  • The Performance: Director Jon M. Chu was looking for an actress who could capture the complex journey of Glinda—from the bubbly, popular Galinda to the mature, compassionate Glinda the Good. Grande’s vocal prowess and dramatic range, honed over years of performing, ultimately secured the role.

The Elphaba-Glinda Dynamic

The chemistry between Glinda and Elphaba is the heart of *Wicked*. The casting of Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, a powerful, Broadway-trained actress with an Oscar nomination, was announced alongside Grande's casting. The pairing was immediately seen as a perfect blend of Erivo’s theatrical gravitas and Grande’s pop-culture ubiquity and airy soprano, creating a dynamic that would resonate with both Broadway purists and a global movie audience.

Other Rumors and Entities in the Wicked Casting Universe

The casting conversation for *Wicked* was so massive that it generated a constellation of rumors and mentions, adding to the topical authority of the film's production. While the following names were either rumored to have auditioned, been considered, or were part of the wider casting discussion for Glinda or other roles, their involvement was less confirmed than the core four.

  • Amy Adams: Rumored to have auditioned, adding another A-list actress to the mix.
  • Anne Hathaway: Also rumored in early discussions, a name often associated with major movie musicals.
  • Ariana DeBose and Samantha Barks: Mentioned in connection with the Elphaba role, showing the high caliber of talent the casting directors were considering for both lead parts.
  • Rachel McAdams and Lea Michele: Early fan-casting favorites for Glinda and Elphaba, respectively, though not confirmed to have auditioned for the film.
  • Joe Jonas: The musician was confirmed to have auditioned for the role of Fiyero, which ultimately went to Jonathan Bailey.

The final casting of Ariana Grande as Glinda was a monumental decision that concluded a fiercely competitive process involving some of the brightest stars in Hollywood and on Broadway. While Amanda Seyfried, Dove Cameron, Renée Rapp, and Taylor Louderman all brought their immense talents to the audition room, Grande's unique blend of vocal talent, star power, and deep personal connection to the material ultimately secured her the coveted role, setting the stage for one of the most anticipated film events of 2024 and 2025. The intense competition only serves to elevate the excitement for the *Wicked* movie, promising a cinematic experience that was hard-won by every performer involved.

who else auditioned for glinda
who else auditioned for glinda

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