Amanda Seyfried Confesses “I Auditioned Six Times” for Wicked—and Lost the Role to Ariana Grande. Fans Say She Deserved Glinda

Amanda Seyfried has dropped a Hollywood bombshell that’s left both fans and industry insiders buzzing: she fought tooth and nail to play Glinda the Good Witch in the long-anticipated Wicked movie adaptation—and lost out to Ariana Grande, despite pouring years into preparing for the role.

In a candid conversation on Variety’s Actors on Actors, Seyfried said:

“Last summer while I was playing Elizabeth in The Dropout, I was auditioning in person to play Glinda in the movie version of Wicked. I literally bent over backwards while playing the hardest role of my life.”

Her voice cracked slightly as she added:

“I worked my ass off for years and years on that music. It was heartbreaking.”

A Role Amanda Had Been Dreaming Of For Years

For fans of movie musicals, Seyfried’s revelation isn’t just gossip—it’s a glimpse into how brutal Hollywood casting can be, even for established stars.

Amanda Seyfried isn’t new to the musical world. She earned acclaim for her roles in Mamma Mia! and Les Misérables, both of which showcased her crystal-clear vocals and ability to bring vulnerability to the screen.

She’s also spoken in countless interviews about her dream of returning to musical theatre. In fact, in an earlier Interview with Collider, Seyfried openly said Wicked was her “ultimate dream”:

“There’s something about Glinda’s songs, the comedy, the sweetness, and the chance to sing ‘Popular.’ I wanted that more than almost anything.”

The Wicked Casting That Split the Internet

When Universal finally announced in 2021 that Wicked would hit screens as a two-part film directed by Jon M. Chu, the buzz was immediate. Then came the shocker: Ariana Grande was cast as Glinda, with Cynthia Erivo taking on the iconic role of Elphaba.

At the time, social media erupted into fierce debate. While Grande’s vocal chops are undeniable—she’s been a lifelong Wicked fan and even performed “The Wizard and I” on national television—some Broadway purists felt her pop star persona might overshadow the delicate balance needed for Glinda.

Amanda Seyfried’s confession adds fresh fuel to that fire.

A flood of posts on Twitter and TikTok has exploded in the past 24 hours. One TikTok creator posted:

“Ariana is incredible, but Amanda Seyfried has the comedic timing and acting skills for Glinda. Hollywood missed out.”

Others insist Ariana was always the right choice, praising her Broadway-level range and existing fanbase.

A Glimpse Into Hollywood’s Harsh Realities

Seyfried’s revelation cuts through the glitz and glamour, revealing the raw truth: even an Oscar-nominated actress isn’t immune to heartbreak.

While filming Hulu’s The Dropout, where she delivered an Emmy-winning performance as Elizabeth Holmes, Seyfried was simultaneously recording Wicked audition tapes late at night. It’s the kind of hustle we rarely hear about from Hollywood A-listers, who often seem to glide from one role to another.

“It’s not over for me in terms of musical theater,” Seyfried said in the Variety interview. “But it was tough.”

For Seyfried, who’s been candid about her anxiety and struggles with self-confidence, the rejection was more than professional—it was deeply personal. The idea of losing out on the chance to perform Glinda’s joyful, comedic numbers clearly still stings.

The Internet Reacts—and the Debate Isn’t Over

Since Amanda’s comments, hashtags like #SeyfriedForGlinda and #WickedMovie have begun trending again, proving that Wicked is far more than just another movie adaptation—it’s a cultural touchstone. Fans can’t help imagining what Seyfried might have brought to the role, especially given her experience with musical films and her natural comedic flair.

Meanwhile, Ariana Grande remains laser-focused on her upcoming performance. Director Jon M. Chu has defended the casting repeatedly, praising Ariana’s vocal talent and connection to the material. In a 2023 interview with Deadline, Chu said:

“Ariana understands Glinda’s heart. She’s more than a pop star. She’s a theater kid at heart and she’s perfect for this role.”

It’s clear this casting debate isn’t going away anytime soon—and the only thing that might settle it is finally seeing the film.

The Final Word

Amanda Seyfried’s heartbreak is a stark reminder that even the most beloved stars are vulnerable in an industry that often values big names and social media clout over perfect casting. She spent years pouring her soul into Glinda’s songs, and though the dream slipped away, her honesty has only deepened fans’ respect for her as both an actress and a person.

As for Wicked? Whether Ariana Grande can win over skeptical fans remains to be seen—but one thing’s certain: Amanda Seyfried’s six auditions for Glinda will forever be a fascinating “what might have been” in Hollywood lore.

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Still feeling the Wicked vibes?
Grab the Wicked Original Cast Recording or dive into Amanda Seyfried’s musical side with Mamma Mia!. And if you’re binging musicals, try a 30-day free trial of Prime Video and keep the show tunes rolling. 🎶