Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo know what Glinda and Elphaba mean to evil fans

The emotional press tour for Evil continues to awards season as the film hits its digital publication. And look, at this point, complaining about Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo’s displays of sisterhood is sick of anyone who hasn’t shot two movies back-to-back and sung the musical’s iconic songs live.

These women became Elphaba and Glinda to the fans and it shows. In an interview with Blackthe stars discussed their transformations — especially Grande. As one of the most recognized global pop superstars, she had to become completely unrecognizable in the role and perhaps get to the roots of who she really has been all along: a theater child at heart with a dream to play a role for life.

“Maybe people underestimate how much time we spent finding and disappearing into these women,” Grande shared. “So when certain inflections or mannerisms take time to melt away, people sometimes make fun. But we had a job to do and we had things to get lost in – because that’s what the play called for.”

She added that she would likely keep Glinda with her in her next development. “I think it can go on,” she said, specifically referring to her new old Hollywood babe. “Galinda required a lot of vocal work for me. Some things may not melt away. Some will, but I am truly grateful for the pieces that will stay with us forever. What a beautiful thing to be left with and feel every day ghost. “

For Erivo, becoming Elphaba meant taking on the visible representation of anyone who has felt marginalized. In the days since the film’s release, Erivo has been moved by the outpouring of love for the Ozdust Ballroom scene. Anyone who has ever felt different knew it accurate what Elphaba felt the moment she stepped out upon arriving at the social gathering of Ozians and Shiz students. “I was talking to a friend earlier this week,” Erivo said, “and he said, ‘I just want to confirm for you that you were bullied.’ This moment gave me the opportunity to revisit, process, feel it again and share it.” And that made the moment when Galinda joins her in the dance to accept her at the heart of the film’s message of belonging.

For Grande, that moment, juxtaposed with the film’s opening, speaks volumes about the importance of sisterhood and union. The film’s opening is her character lighting a picture of her friend, Wicker Man-style. “Just like how hard Ozdust felt to you, that’s how it felt to turn you on a million times in a row!” she said of the emotionally challenging task.

Like a sand Evil fan, Grande recalled, how the story has always been about it in some way radical the notion that we must stick together with those we love, no matter how different, in the face of fascism’s glossy Emerald City facade behind the curtain. “When Evil first came out on Broadway, I remember people in my life having that exact discussion,” Grande shared. “It’s time for people to say, ‘Oh, how can I be a better ally?’ Because that’s how we’ve always survived. We’ve always been able to survive with those friendships and those allies.”

Erivo added, “What keeps coming back to me is how much people need it,” she said. “It gives people permission to think of themselves as people who can help. It might not be easy, but it’s not impossible. That’s the kind of thing that permeates.”

Evil is out in theaters now and is also available digitally.