9 performers who tried to join the cast of Wicked and were left out

After years of development and a unique global expectation, the second part of the film adaptation —Wicked: For Good— comes to theaters this November 21completing the big screen version of the most influential musical of Broadway in the last two decades.

Directed by Jobs Menthe story brings to the cinema the origins of the witches of Oz with a blockbuster that combines cutting-edge effects, a luxury cast and the spirit of the classic that conquered Broadway.

Ariana Grande (Glinda), Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba) y Jonathan Bailey (Check it out) lead a cast which was celebrated from the first announcement: privileged voices, acting solidity and the aura necessary to embody characters that are burned into the pop culture.

That is why the selection process was so intense as rigorous. While the fans The possible chemistry between the protagonists was debated online, dozens of performers competed for the opportunity to join a franchise that marks careers.

Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey: protagonists of Wicked. Photo: Pinterest @belivairds

Even with solid careers, several Hollywood and Broadway figures were left out. With the premiere just around the corner, those auditions: some demanding, others unexpected, all reflecting the cultural weight that Wicked has for artists and viewers alike.

Amanda Seyfried

In the middle of filming The Dropoutwhere he played Elizabeth Holmes, Amanda Seyfried He took time on weekends to audition in person for the role of Glinda.

According to what he told Backstage, He worked “like never before” to demonstrate how much he had grown as a singer since Les Miserables.

Amanda Seyfried, actress and singer, auditioned to play Glinda. Photo: Pinterest @themisaki

«I doubled over to get there. I wanted to prove myself. I wanted them to see how much better I became. It was exhausting, but beautiful»he explained; and ensures that the process strengthened vocally.

Renee Rapp

Known for The Sex Lives of College Girls and for embodying Regina George in Broadway (role he reprized in the film Mean Girls), Renee Rapp confirmed in Watch What Happens Live who auditioned for Glinda.

Renée Rapp, actress and singer, sought the role of Glinda. Photo: Pinterest @rubysbeaufort

With humor and admiration, he said: «Ariana is going to be incredible. I’m very excited». Despite not being there, the singer celebrated the final casting and the cultural impact that the film promises.

Dove Cameron

actress and singer Dove Cameronwho had already worked with Ariana Grande in Hairspray Livetold TheWrap that your process for Glinda It was “one of the longest” of his career.

Dove Cameron, actress and singer, was up for the role of Glinda. Photo: Pinterest @thatladyofthenight

Dove, which also maintains a amistad of years with Grande, celebrated the election: «She’s a dear friend and I know she’s going to break it. As a fan, I’m very excited to see this movie.»

Cristin Milioti

The star of Palm Springs, How I Met Your Mother y The Penguin, Cristin Miliotiwas called to audition as Elphaba.

In The Tonight Show He recounted his experience, a mixture of excitement and vocal disaster: «I had two weeks to prepare. It was my first in-person audition since the pandemic. The moment of the big high came… I opened my mouth and a sound came out that I will hear on my deathbed. It was horrible”.

Cristin Milioti, actress and musical comedian, auditioned to be Elphaba. Photo: Pinterest @goodbyegray

Although the note didn’t come out, Milioti remembers the audition as a fun and surreal moment.

Jordin Sparks

The winner of American Idol and multi-platinum artist Jordin Sparks revealed in the BET Awards 2025 who auditioned to be Elphaba in the movie.

Jordin Sparks, singer and actress, tried her luck to play Elphaba. Photo: Pinterest @twilliams4854

“It was an incredible experience, just being considered was an honor”told THR. Although it didn’t stay, he assured that he still loves the musical and that, if he returned to Broadway, his dream would be to play it.

Lea Michele

Although Lea Michele never confirmed having auditioned, since 2019 publicly expresses his desire to assume the role of Elphabaa character whose songs he already performed in Gleeproviding his own version of the musical’s most emblematic themes.

Lea Michele, actress and Broadway performer, aspired to the role of Elphaba. Photo: Pinterest @suzcap1965

In 2025during a live show, refused to sing Defying Gravity: “I’m not going to sing it after Cynthia Erivo took it to another level”. Your respect for the new Elphaba It is absolute.

Nick Jonas

Long before she was a global pop star, Nick Jonas He had begun his career on Broadway. His credits include Les Miserables, How to Succeed… y Annie Get Your Gun. With that solid musical foundation, he auditioned for the role of Check it out.

Nick Jonas, one third of the Jonas Brothers, auditioned for Fiyero. Photo: Pinterest @ehitches

Although it was not left, soon will return to the stage in the first Broadway production of The Last Five Yearscuriously in the same role that Jonathan Bailey played in 2016: another crossing of paths with the actor who was finally chosen for Oz.