Ariana Grande and Paul Mescal just gave us a double feature of hilarity in Variety’s annual Actors on Actors issue. The stars of Wicked and Gladiator II sat down to chat about auditions, costumes, vocal acrobatics, and something called the “Glicked” phenomenon. Let’s dive into this theatrical treasure chest.
The “Glicked” Phenomenon: What Even Is That?
Ariana: “So, our movies are, like, weirdly similar. I know, sounds bananas, but hear me out. Evil versus good? Dictatorships? They’re practically twins separated at birth.”
Paul: “Right? And the whole ‘Glicked’ thing? Think of it as a cinematic double feature—a gourmet meal followed by, I don’t know, a really dramatic dessert.”
So basically, Wicked is a soufflé, and Gladiator II is a bloody steak. Got it.
Ariana’s Audition: Opera, Air-Conditioning Wars & Lash Abandonment
When Ariana auditioned for Wicked, it was less Broadway glam and more Survivor: Air Duct Edition.
“I was filming The Voice and begging them to cut the AC because it was Arctic Circle in there,” she said. “I had to sing opera the next day. Opera! Meanwhile, everyone’s shivering, and I’m like, ‘Sorry, not sorry.’”
And the audition? Picture three rounds of belting classics like Popular and Defying Gravity while leaving her soul—and false lashes—on the audition room mirror. “The lashes were like, ‘We’re out, girl. You’re on your own.’”
Glinda’s Bubble Dress: Light as Air, Heavy on Symbolism
Ariana described her bubble dress as a whimsical masterpiece. “It’s, like, 16 layers of snap-on magic. It looks like a literal bubble, but it’s so light you could wear it to brunch. Paul Tazewell, our costume designer, really asked, ‘What would a floating dress do in therapy?’”
Gladiator Training: Paul’s Journey to Sword-Wielding Glory
Paul Mescal’s Gladiator II prep was a cocktail of muscle-building and wig-related trauma.
“At first, I thought, ‘I’ll just go as me, regular Paul, the chill gladiator.’ Nope. The gym became my second home, and then came the costumes. When I saw myself in armor, I thought, ‘Who’s this dude? And why’s he glaring at me in the mirror?’”
The wigs, however, were another story. “Dodgy. Just dodgy,” he deadpanned. “Wigs are not my thing.”
Ariana’s Opera Adventure: Falsetto, Meet Your Fancy Cousin
Hunting down an audition for Wicked was no small feat for Ariana.
“I told my team, ‘Track this down like it’s the last avocado in the store.’ Then came the vocal training. Glinda doesn’t do whistle tones—she’s all about that fancy opera life. It’s like trading a pop hit for Mozart. My throat? Confused. But I was determined.”
Paul’s Stunt Life: No Room for Doubles
Paul’s approach to stunts was all-in because, apparently, Ridley Scott shoots with eight cameras. “There’s no sneaking a stunt double in when the cameras are catching your every move. So yeah, I basically had to be Russell Crowe…with less yelling.”
Falling in Love with Acting: Phantom Phumbles
Paul’s acting origins were delightfully chaotic. “I was 16, playing the organ in Phantom of the Opera. Spoiler: I had no clue how to play the organ. It was just me, a fake keyboard, and a prayer. But something clicked—or maybe clunked—and here I am.”
Final Thoughts?
Ariana’s sparkle-filled wizardry meets Paul’s gritty gladiator vibes, and somehow, they’ve found common ground. Whether it’s bubble dresses or battle armor, these two prove that the drama is in the details—and the occasional dodgy wig.