The "Wicked" press tour is on a roll, continuing to dazzle audiences and defy expectations at every turn. This time, the magic unfolded in a surprising and delightful way during an interview on The Drew Barrymore Show, where Drew Barrymore sat down with none other than Ariana Grande, the star behind Glinda (formerly known as Galinda) in the upcoming Wicked movie.
As part of Thursday's highly anticipated episode, Drew teased fans with a sneak peek on Tuesday, revealing a jaw-dropping moment from her chat with Ariana. The teaser included a surprise that left the Wicked star in awe – none other than the iconic wand from The Wizard of Oz itself. That's right, the very same wand once wielded by the famous Glinda, played by Billie Burke in the legendary 1939 film. In the clip, Drew excitedly explains, "I have something that's extremely exciting and special. It actually was owned by The Smithsonian and now it's owned in private hands—but for the purposes of our sit-down, they loaned it to us." She pauses for dramatic effect before calling for the big reveal: "Bring out the original Glinda wand, please."
Ariana's reaction was priceless, embodying the perfect blend of surprise and gratitude. "Are you serious right now? Thank you guys, it's been fun," she exclaimed as she playfully pretended to leave the set with the wand in hand. "How did you even pull this off? Oh my god, did you break in?" Her disbelief was genuine, and the moment felt as magical as the wand itself.
Drew, in her usual charming and enthusiastic style, offered a glimpse behind the scenes of the show’s creativity and planning. "I have to give credit to everyone on this show, because literally, we were so excited about you coming here, we were like, 'OK, let's get the wand, let's get Nonna.'" She grinned. "That is the original wand from The Wizard of Oz."
This stunning silver wand, first introduced to audiences in 1939, is an iconic symbol of movie history. And while Ariana was clearly overwhelmed by the historical significance of the prop, this wasn't the first time she’d had a magical encounter with an iconic piece of Wicked history.
Fans of the franchise know that Ariana Grande’s Wicked experience has been filled with moments of awe and inspiration. As part of NBC and Peacock's special Defying Gravity: The Curtain Rises on Wicked, Ariana joined her co-stars Cynthia Erivo and Jonathan Bailey for an intimate behind-the-scenes look at how the movie’s props and costumes brought the musical to life. During this special feature, Ariana shared just how important these elements were in making the world of Wicked feel real.
"I’m excited to attempt to get through airport security with this," Ariana joked, holding her very own pink version of Glinda’s wand. "I don’t think I’ll be stopped. We have to take these home. It’s kind of emotional; I don’t want to let go of it." The humor in her statement was clear, but beneath it was an evident sense of connection to the prop, a piece of her character’s identity and magic. As someone who’s deeply involved in bringing Glinda to life, Ariana was clearly moved by the tangible connection she had to the role, as well as the legacy it carried.
"We’re so lucky to have these physically grounding pieces," Ariana continued, highlighting how powerful it was to hold such iconic objects from the show. "When you put the costume on, when you put her shoes on, when you hold our things and wear our crowns, when we’re supported by such brilliant artists who designed these pieces—that just takes it to the next level." There was no mistaking the reverence in her voice as she spoke about the craftsmanship and artistry that went into making these items. For her and her co-stars, these physical items weren't just props—they were key pieces that helped them embody their characters in a deeper, more meaningful way.
The emotional weight that props can carry in a production like Wicked isn’t lost on anyone involved. From Glinda’s wand to Elphaba’s broom, each item is more than just a piece of the costume—it’s a symbol of the character’s journey, their challenges, and their triumphs. For Ariana, this connection was especially powerful, as she stepped into the role of Glinda, a character who embodies both innocence and strength, as well as a unique form of magical empowerment.
In fact, the bond that the actors share with these objects is something that runs deep, not only for the physical connection to the character, but also for what they represent. The wand, the shoes, the crowns—all of these pieces help to ground the actors in their performances, giving them a deeper understanding of who their characters are. And as Ariana noted, these items are designed by brilliant artists who pour their hearts into creating the most authentic experience possible for the cast and the audience. The magic of Wicked comes alive through these details.
As much as Ariana is in awe of the props and costumes, it’s clear that the magic of Wicked is also about the people involved. In a production this big, it’s the collective effort of the entire team that brings the magic to life—whether it’s the designers, the actors, or the crew members who work behind the scenes. Everyone is contributing to creating something extraordinary. And while Ariana may have felt like a fan in that moment with the wand, she’s very much a part of this rich legacy, helping to add her own chapter to the Wicked story.
In the end, these props aren’t just magical because of their historical significance—they’re magical because of the emotional connection they foster. For Ariana Grande, as for every actor involved, these pieces are integral to their understanding and portrayal of their characters. And whether it’s holding the wand or stepping into a pair of character shoes, each moment with these items is a reminder of just how deeply Wicked touches the lives of those who bring it to the screen. It’s no wonder that Ariana didn’t want to let go of her wand—it’s a symbol of her journey as Glinda, and a reminder of the enchanting world she’s helping to create.
As fans eagerly await the release of the Wicked film, these behind-the-scenes moments offer a glimpse into the passion and dedication that goes into making the magic happen. And with stars like Ariana Grande leading the way, the excitement surrounding this highly anticipated project is only continuing to grow. Whether it's iconic props, powerful costumes, or the talented actors breathing life into these legendary characters, there's no doubt that Wicked will continue to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impact on fans for years to come.
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