The actress-singer stars alongside Cynthia Erivo and Jonathan Bailey in the film adaptation of the popular Broadway musical, set to be released on November 22.Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey recently recalled a shocking moment on the set of Wicked when paparazzi used hang-gliders to capture footage from above. The two actors, who portray Glinda and Fiyero in the upcoming film, discussed the extreme lengths paparazzi went to during a conversation with VMan magazine, aiming to leak content from the Jon M. Chu-directed movie.
Reflecting on the experience, Grande said, “I think we were very spoiled to have done this with him [Chu]. It felt like a tiny, secret project—very intimate.” She continued, “It felt so small and private until suddenly we were outside, and the Daily Mail was hang-gliding over our set. I joked that they should play the pterodactyl in Jurassic World 4.”
Bailey, who is set to star in the upcoming Jurassic World movie alongside Scarlett Johansson, described the scene, saying, “It was a man on a massive kite, floating around with his legs dangling down, with a GoPro strapped to his feet.”
Grande confessed she “couldn’t believe her eyes” at the bizarre sight, adding humorously, “Well, firstly, because I don’t have the best eyes. But secondly, because it seemed impossible. I thought, ‘There’s no way! Is that really a guy on a hang glider?’”
Wicked, based on the acclaimed Broadway musical, tells the story of Elphaba (played by Cynthia Erivo), a young woman ostracized for her green skin, and her unexpected but deep friendship with Glinda, a popular student. The first part of the film is scheduled to hit theaters on November 22, 2024, with the second part following on November 26, 2025.
When Grande asked Bailey about his experience working on the highly anticipated film, the Bridgerton star responded, “There were certain elements that truly impressed me, and I believe it’s due to the passion and care from Marc Platt and Jon Chu.”
He continued, “We both grew up loving theater and musical theater, and I always felt connected to that sense of wonder. I thought that might be lost in the filmmaking process, but the incredible sets made sure it wasn’t.”
