Wickedstar Ariana Grande reacts to the viral poster edit. Grande plays Glinda, one of the main characters in the movie’s musical adaptation. Opposite Grande is Broadway legend Cynthia Erivo, who is playing Elphaba in the film and is known for her Tony-winning role on Broadway playing Celie inThe Color Purple. In addition to Erivo and Grande,Wickedfeatures a leading castincluding Michelle Yeoh, Keala Settle, Jonathan Bailey, Marissa Bode, Ethan Slater, and Jeff Goldblum. It is set for release on November 22.
In an interview withVariety, Grande reacts to recent A.I. edits of theWickedposter. According to the actor,this issue is “very complicated"when it comes to photo edits that specifically involve the use of artificial intelligence. She understands that “the fans are gonna have fun and make their edits” and recognizes that this is “such a massive adjustment period.” When prompted by the interviewer that “sometimes it goes too far,” Grande agreed and said thatshe has “so much respect for [her] sister Cynthia.“Check out the full quote from Grande below:
It’s very complicated, because I find A.I. so conflicting and troublesome sometimes. But I think it’s just kind of such a massive adjustment period, and this is something that is such a – it’s so much bigger than us. And the fans are gonna have fun and make their edits, but of course…I have so much respect for my sister Cynthia, and I love her so much.
What Grande’s Response Means To The Wicked Poster Debate
Grande Is In Support Of Erivo
Grande’s commentary surrounding theWickedposter comes over a week after theWickedmovieinitially released a new poster for the film. This poster paid tribute to the original Broadway poster, showing Glinda whispering in Elphaba’s ear. In this version, however, one can see Elphaba’s face, whereas the stage musical poster obscured her eyes with her hat. Aided by A.I., some fans took it upon themselves tomake edits to the poster that obscured Erivo’s eyes. Erivo herself found this incredibly offensive, deeming the edits “deeply harmful.”
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Grande’s statement is not nearly as potent as Erivo’s herself. After all, though, Grande was not the one whose face was obscured by the edits. Still, her statement is in support of Erivo, mentioning that she “love[s] her so much” and respects her, implying that she will support her in this endeavor. The statement will likely spur ongoing debate about theethics of using A.I.to edit theWickedposter and use A.I. for similar purposes.
Our Take On The Wicked Poster Debate
Issues Surrounding A.I. Will Be Ongoing
While I can see why fans might want to edit the poster to match the original, Erivo has been very clear about her stance. Grande’s statement also brings up the important point in how the edit relates to the dangers of A.I. This is something that has come up in the film industry to recreate late actors' voices, something that has upset family members of some actors. TheWickedposter is more fuel to the fire, but it is just the start of what will likely be a years-long effort for balance when weighing the use of A.I.
Wicked
Cast
Wicked adapts the Broadway musical into a two-part film, following the unlikely friendship between Elphaba, born with green skin, and Glinda, a popular aristocrat, in the Land of Oz. As they navigate their contrasting paths, they evolve into Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
