Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jeff Goldblum, Bowen Yang & Michelle Yeoh Talk Magic of Wicked

Summary

Detailed Summary of "Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jeff Goldblum, Bowen Yang & Michelle Yeoh Talk Magic of Wicked"

Podcast Title: The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon
Host: NBC Universal
Episode Title: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jeff Goldblum, Bowen Yang & Michelle Yeoh Talk Magic of Wicked
Release Date: December 24, 2024

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Introduction

In this special Fallon flashback episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, host Jimmy Fallon engages in an insightful and entertaining conversation with a star-studded panel comprising Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jeff Goldblum, Bowen Yang, and Michelle Yeoh. The discussion centers around the making of the highly anticipated movie adaptation of the beloved musical Wicked, delving into the actors' experiences, behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and the magic that brought the story to life on the big screen.

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Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo on Wicked

Ariana Grande's Journey and Feelings
Cynthia Erivo warmly welcomes Ariana Grande back to the show, praising her multifaceted talents. Ariana reflects on the overwhelming positive feedback received for her performance in Wicked, stating:

"I feel really, really good. I think every time we get a little feedback from people who have seen it, I think I'm a little bit overwhelmed by how wonderful people have been and how open people have been for, like, some of the changes. It's really special. It's. I'm very proud of it."
[01:14] Ariana Grande

Audition Process and Preparation
Ariana shares the intense preparation that went into her audition and role, mentioning her rigorous training and dedication to mastering the songs:

"I start running around the house and training like a boxer and learning all the songs like the back of my hand... I was there three hours [for the audition]."
[01:55] Ariana Grande

On-Set Chemistry with Cynthia Erivo
The chemistry between Ariana and Cynthia is palpable as they discuss their instant connection upon working together:

"Instant chemistry. So when we knew we were doing this film, I invited her over to my house and we just sat on my floor and chatted and became, for us, friends. It was really easy. It was really easy."
[03:14] Ariana Grande

Defying Gravity Scene
A highlight of their conversation is the iconic "Defying Gravity" scene. Ariana describes the physical and vocal demands of performing the scene:

"The first time it feels like that. The first time you're like, where am I supposed to put my voice? It's not working... I had a wonderful vocal coach who made sure that I knew where to put my breath because you are being thrown around."
[04:35] Ariana Grande

Cynthia adds her admiration for Ariana's ability to seamlessly perform such a complex scene:

"That is insane. What we just saw. That doesn't look real. That looks like CGI."
[05:12] Cynthia Erivo

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Bowen Yang's Journey into Wicked

Audition and Casting Stories
Bowen Yang recounts his unconventional path to securing a role in Wicked, highlighting his determination and the unexpected support from established figures:

"I was gonna do anything. I was like, I'll call Lorne. I was gonna do anything."
[09:14] Bowen Yang

He reveals a pivotal moment when he reached out to Lorne Michaels, expressing his desire to be part of the film:

"I was just like, oh, hi, Lauren. How are you?... I'm still unpacking the emotional weight of Antonio with my therapist."
[09:32] Bowen Yang

Preparation and Role Development
Bowen discusses the extensive preparation required for his role, including voice training and acting lessons:

"I started to kind of mentally prepare myself and my team. I just told them, you know, if this is really happening and if they are gonna start seeing people for it, I just want to be so prepared."
[10:35] Bowen Yang

On-Set Chemistry and Collaboration
He emphasizes the collaborative environment on set, particularly his partnership with Cynthia Erivo:

"When they called me to tell me that I had the part, I had one heart attack... I died."
[12:34] Bowen Yang

"How are you? And getting to play opposite her and also just become true sisters with her has been such a beautiful experience."
[13:02] Bowen Yang

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Jonathan Bailey's Insights

SNL Experience and Acting in Wicked
Jonathan Bailey shares his excitement about reaching milestone episodes on Saturday Night Live and how his comedic skills translated into his role in Wicked:

"You were phenomenal in it. We all know how funny you are. And you can... But you can be so funny."
[23:00] Cynthia Erivo

Funny Anecdotes from Filming
Jonathan entertains the audience with behind-the-scenes stories, including improvisations that made it into the film:

"I was like, I'm not gonna change a word of this script... Jon M. Chu was like, now do one just for fun. And then this man pulled a fast one on me. He used every single ad lib."
[26:17] Jonathan Bailey

He also mentions a memorable line that, despite being cut from the final film, became a fan favorite:

"I've been through. I've been through it. I've been through, I've been through it."
[27:21] Jonathan Bailey

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Jeff Goldblum on Wicked and Production

Working with Director Jon M. Chu
Jeff Goldblum praises director Jon M. Chu's vision and expertise in adapting musicals into cinematic masterpieces:

"John M. Chu, you look for a great director. He knows how to do it. He did."
[16:59] Jeff Goldblum

Anecdotes and Production Insights
He shares humorous stories about the production process, including memorable moments and interactions with cast members:

"They planted 9 million tulips. And they have. The set is all around you. Yeah. You're not. You're not in front of anything."
[20:05] Jeff Goldblum

Reflections on Wicked Legacy
Jeff reflects on the enduring legacy of Wicked and the unique challenges of bringing it to the screen:

"There's a curse on all the people who have ever been in wicked, from the 20-year phenomenon that's been since we saw it 20 years ago."
[17:24] Jeff Goldblum

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Michelle Yeoh's Experience

Casting and Singing in Wicked
Michelle Yeoh discusses her unexpected foray into singing for her role in Wicked and the support she received from fellow cast members:

"When he called me, he says, I really wanted you to do this for me with me and, you know, read the script. And I think, John... I read the script. I called him John. You realize she sings, right?"
[28:04] Michelle Yeoh

Collaborative Environment
She highlights the collaborative and supportive atmosphere on set, crediting Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo for their encouragement:

"When you walk on and you hear them sing, it's like you've gone to heaven."
[29:06] Michelle Yeoh

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Closing Remarks and Special Announcement

Cynthia Erivo wraps up the conversation by announcing a special NBC airing on November 19th titled "Defying Gravity: The Curtain Rises on Wicked," which will feature behind-the-scenes footage and a sneak peek of an actual scene from the film.

"Wicked is in theaters everywhere. November 20... There's a special on NBC airing November 19th."
[20:35] Cynthia Erivo

Jimmy Fallon concludes the episode by thanking the guests and listeners, encouraging everyone to subscribe for the latest episodes and to watch The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon weeknights on NBC and streaming on Peacock.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Ariana Grande:
  "I feel really, really good."
  [01:14]

• Bowen Yang:
  "I'll call Lorne."
  [09:14]

• Cynthia Erivo:
  "That is insane. What we just saw. That doesn't look real. That looks like CGI."
  [05:12]

• Jonathan Bailey:
  "I've been through. I've been through it."
  [27:21]

• Jeff Goldblum:
  "John M. Chu, you look for a great director. He knows how to do it. He did."
  [16:59]

• Michelle Yeoh:
  "When you walk on and you hear them sing, it's like you've gone to heaven."
  [29:06]

---

Conclusion

This episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon offers an in-depth look into the collaborative efforts behind the making of Wicked. Through engaging conversations and heartfelt reflections, Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jeff Goldblum, Bowen Yang, and Michelle Yeoh provide fans with exclusive insights into their roles, the challenges they faced, and the joy of bringing a cherished musical to life on the silver screen. The inclusion of notable quotes and personal anecdotes makes this summary a valuable resource for those interested in the magic of Wicked and the dynamic experiences of its talented cast.

Transcript

[Jimmy Fallon]

You're listening to a special Fallon flashback episode of the Tonight Show. And now, here he is, Jimmy Fallon.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Cynthia Erivo, welcome back. We love you. They love you. Thanks for coming back to the show. You look fantastic. Thank you. You are very talented, and I'm gonna get to all the list of what you're talented at. Singing, acting. But last time you were on the show, I don't know if you remember this, I asked you about whistling because you said, oh, I can whistle a little bit. And then you whistled and you melted everyone's minds. Everyone's like, this is the best whistler I've ever heard in my life. Did people freak out by that? Did you get good feedback?

[Ariana Grande]

It was very strange because I just do it in my house. I do it around the house and go into things very absentmindedly.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Cynthia, you are amazing. Last time you were on, we were gearing up and getting into work.

[Ariana Grande]

Oh, my goodness.

[Cynthia Erivo]

That's the last time. And now it's finally coming out next week. Wicked is here. It's arrived. Yeah, I saw it. You're amazing. The movie's amazing. Are you feeling good? How are you feeling right now?

[Ariana Grande]

I feel really, really good. I think every time we get a little feedback from people who have seen it, I think I'm a little bit overwhelmed by how wonderful people have been and how open people have been for, like, some of the changes. It's really special. It's. I'm very proud of it.

[Cynthia Erivo]

It's. I think when you first. When you were here last, I think it was set to be one part.

[Ariana Grande]

Yes.

[Cynthia Erivo]

And then it just started getting cooler and better, and people like, we have something here. It is. It is so worth. It is a spectacle. It is beautiful. You and Ariana Grande crush it. It's unbelievable. You're great. When you're auditioning for Elphaba and they go, well, we might want to read you or audition for this. How do you feel and what do you do? What goes through your mind? How do you prepare?

[Ariana Grande]

I start running around the house and training like a boxer and learning all the songs like the back of my hand. I already knew a lot of the music before I was asked to come in because I learned the music before I saw the show. So it's always been in my DNA. And then I just. I went to work, made sure I knew what was.

[Cynthia Erivo]

What was the audition like. You go in and you crazy.

[Ariana Grande]

It was three hours. It was the only audition I had. So I did. It was a camera test. So I worked with two other actresses And I learned the songs and I was there three hours. Three hours? Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Were you exhausted?

[Ariana Grande]

Oh, I was very ill by the end of it. I was in bed for the next week for like four days with 104 fever.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Were you really?

[Ariana Grande]

Yeah, No, I was done.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Yeah. That's a lot of work. I mean, I've been. Actually, you've been on our show as a performer as well, but I've seen you sing.

[Ariana Grande]

It was the craziest weekend because I. I had sung at the Disney hall the night before. I had done a concert the night before at Disney Hall.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Oh, my God.

[Ariana Grande]

And then the audition was today.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Were any of the actors that you were screen tasting with Ariana Grande? No, they weren't.

[Ariana Grande]

No.

[Cynthia Erivo]

So did you know that you were going to be working with Ariana?

[Ariana Grande]

Not until I knew I was going to be working with her, no.

[Cynthia Erivo]

And did you guys know each other?

[Ariana Grande]

No, we'd never met.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Wow.

[Ariana Grande]

Yeah.

[Cynthia Erivo]

And so instant chemistry. What did it feel like?

[Ariana Grande]

Instant chemistry. So when we knew we were doing this film, I invited her over to my house and we just sat on my floor and chatted and became, for us, friends. It was really easy. It was really easy.

[Cynthia Erivo]

She was fun.

[Ariana Grande]

Yeah, she was lovely.

[Cynthia Erivo]

You were fun.

[Ariana Grande]

Thank you.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Yeah. And then when did you first sing together?

[Ariana Grande]

Oh, John invited us for dinner and Stephen Schwartz was there, so he got on the piano and started playing for us and we sang for good together and our voices worked and that was like magic. Yeah.

[Cynthia Erivo]

You looked at each other and you go, oh, this is gonna be. This is gonna be great. This is gonna be good. Yeah, it does work. And you were so stunning in it too. And I go, oh, my gosh. But with the green skin and the glasses. I go, how are you doing this? You just pull it off. It's so great.

[Ariana Grande]

Thank you.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Defying gravity. Wait till you see it. Obviously, that's what it builds up into. And that was the very last scene that you filmed?

[Ariana Grande]

That was the very last film scene that we filmed. And it was paused by a six month wait because of the strike.

[Cynthia Erivo]

That's right, the red.

[Ariana Grande]

So we went away and then I had to come back and that was the very last thing I had to do.

[Cynthia Erivo]

But the pressure, I mean, gosh, I don't know why I would open with that. I would start with Divine Gravity. Get it out of the way. Go. Let's go. Let's hurry up. Let's do that. Because that's the big thing. But all the pressure. And then you're on wires.

[Ariana Grande]

Yeah, wires. Flying faucetted.

[Cynthia Erivo]

You're actually defying gravity, Singing life.

[Ariana Grande]

Yeah.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Yes. You actually really are. That's you. That's me.

[Bowen Yang]

Yeah.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Looks.

[Ariana Grande]

Yeah.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Wait, are you nervous? Do you get nervous? You go.

[Ariana Grande]

The first time it feels like that. The first time you're like, where am I supposed to put my voice? It's not working.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Yeah.

[Ariana Grande]

And then you sort of find a way to concentrate, to figure it out, to focus it. And I had a wonderful vocal coach who made sure that I knew where to put my breath because you are being thrown around. You are flipping.

[Cynthia Erivo]

That is insane. What we just saw. That doesn't look real. That looks like cgi.

[Ariana Grande]

That's definitely me.

[Cynthia Erivo]

That is you going, that's me. Defying gravity, making magic happen.

[Ariana Grande]

I've seen that.

[Cynthia Erivo]

That's movie magic.

[Ariana Grande]

That's crazy.

[Cynthia Erivo]

You had to be so pretty of this film. It's a classic. Thank you. When you do the end of Defying Gravity, I know it from being a New Yorker. There was always ads for Wicked on television and it's like, wicked. Go see Wicked on, bro. And then you hear the. Or whatever that cry. They call it the battle cry at the battle cry. Yes. And did you do it like that?

[Ariana Grande]

No, I did it slightly differently.

[Cynthia Erivo]

I mean, come on. You put the work in and you crushed it, buddy. Congratulations. Cynthia, Rita, everyone. Ariana Grande, everyone. Oh, my gosh. We love it when you come to the show.

[Bowen Yang]

I love being at the show.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Love you so much. I miss you. Congratulations on this again. I told you already, but two words. Legend. Derry. Thank you. Unbelievable. You are fantastic.

[Bowen Yang]

Thank you.

[Cynthia Erivo]

You've got to be so proud about this. But I want to first congratulate you on Saturday Night Live. You were great hosting on Saturday. I mean, you can do it all.

[Bowen Yang]

Thank you.

[Cynthia Erivo]

You were on Saturday Night Live, but you could do it all. You did a sketch called Domingo where you sang. Yes. Everyone saw this sketch. It's the most viral thing. Everyone saw it and it was so funny. You're singing an off key version of Espresso and I was watching. I think I loved it the most because you singing off key is very rare. Oh, is it hard to sing off key?

[Bowen Yang]

You know, it was really fun. I really enjoyed it.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Yes, but can you normally. I mean, you're always singing on key.

[Bowen Yang]

Oh, that's very generous. Thank you. It was really fun. It was a bit that we found, like in the moment. I pitched it to the writers, Sudie and Jimmy. I said, would it be funnier if it got progressively worse as it went on?

[Cynthia Erivo]

Gosh, it was so good. I was like, oh, my gosh. I just. I wanted more. But then I saw a character that I think I will never forget. Antonio. Oh, yes. Now, can we zoom in? Just zoom in. It's just. I mean. I mean, it's. I don't know why, but this is my favorite thing I've ever seen. I just think you're so. It's so kind of cute, but also the funniest thing. You were in character.

[Bowen Yang]

Thank you so much.

[Cynthia Erivo]

And now I heard that people are coming up at Wicked premieres wanting you to sign this photo.

[Bowen Yang]

Yeah. With posters of Antonio. They've been coming to the premieres, which is insane. But I mean, like, I really. I understand. I appreciate it. He's still with me, you know, He's.

[Cynthia Erivo]

He is.

[Bowen Yang]

I'm still unpacking the emotional weight of Antonio with my therapist.

[Cynthia Erivo]

With your therapist? Yeah. You nailed it. That's the thing about you, is that you can do everything. You can sing, you can act, but you also have a great sense of humor, and you get it. And you know how to do comedy. No, stop. I heard that you had a lot to do with getting Bowen Yang cast in Wicked. We love. He's great. He has a full dance number. He's amazing.

[Bowen Yang]

He's absolutely brilliant in this film. He and Bronwyn James, who play Fanny and Shen. Shen.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Yeah.

[Bowen Yang]

They're unbelievable together.

[Cynthia Erivo]

I was like, bowen, are you really dancing? I mean, you were really. He goes, are you kidding me? I studied so hard for that. Yeah, he was great.

[Bowen Yang]

I mean, he's phenomenal. He killed it.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Yeah.

[Bowen Yang]

Yes.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Yeah. We love Boen. Yeah. Yeah. How did you. How did you get Bowen to do the film?

[Bowen Yang]

Well, I didn't. I don't know that I actually had anything to do with it because, you know, Mark Platt and Jon M. Chu and Universal Studios were really trying to make it happen. I don't know why I thought that I had any power here. I was like, I'll call Lorne.

[Cynthia Erivo]

That's everyone's answer.

[Bowen Yang]

I was gonna do anything.

[Cynthia Erivo]

I'll call Lorne. Yeah. So you called Lorne Michaels?

[Bowen Yang]

Yes, I did, and I don't know why I did, because.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Because your family. He loves you.

[Bowen Yang]

No, but it was the scariest moment of my life. Do you know what I mean? I was realizing in real time that, like, oh, I have nothing to say, and I have no reason why he would listen to me.

[Cynthia Erivo]

What did he say? What did he say?

[Bowen Yang]

Well, I was just like, oh, hi, Lauren. How are you? And he was like, hello.

[Michelle Yeoh]

Orianna what do you want?

[Cynthia Erivo]

Is that. Yeah, yeah, what do you want? I'm very busy.

[Bowen Yang]

No, but I basically was just like, in that moment, I realized I don't have what it takes to get this to happen.

[Cynthia Erivo]

No. Yeah, but you got it to happen.

[Bowen Yang]

Even I did beg. I begged. And he worked it out, and he flew back and forth between SNL and filming Wicked to be a part of it, and he's unbelievable. And he just put himself through it to get it done.

[Cynthia Erivo]

When you first heard, he's hardcore. Let's talk about Wicked, because I can't imagine anyone else as Glinda. You really nailed it. I can't speak of anyone. Trust it. When you first heard that Wicked was being made into a movie, immediately did you start preparing for maybe a potential audition? Do you go, like, I think I should do this?

[Bowen Yang]

Yes. As soon as I caught whispers of an audition maybe, or that a movie was gonna happen at all.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Yeah.

[Bowen Yang]

I started to kind of mentally prepare myself and my team. I just told them, you know, if this is really happening and if they are gonna start seeing people for it, I just want to be so prepared. I want to take all of the acting lessons, all of the singing lessons. I want to train my voice to become coloratura soprano, like legit opera. I have to honor this the way that it requires.

[Cynthia Erivo]

And you always, though, you put the work in. You're. I don't want to say a perfectionist, but every time you've been on our show, you make. You put the time in, you practice, you rehearse, you nail it. I mean, this is a big thing. And I remember how. Seriously, you're like, jimmy, I'm diving into this deep. I'm going for it.

[Bowen Yang]

Well, we were making our video for the song that's on your number one comedy album.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Thank you so much. Oh, my gosh. That's right.

[Bowen Yang]

When I was going through the audition process, and I just remember talking to you about it and you being so, so, so supportive, as you always are here and as a friend behind the scenes and, yeah, I wanted to.

[Cynthia Erivo]

You nailed it. What was the audition process like? You're going in because it wasn't just offered.

[Bowen Yang]

No, my God.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Thank God.

[Bowen Yang]

I mean, it's Wicked. It has to be earned. It's like, it's the most important thing.

[Cynthia Erivo]

That's right.

[Bowen Yang]

You know, I tried to prepare myself mentally going into it, knowing that, listen, this is going to end up where it's meant to end up. And as a fan of it, I have to trust that and know that it's gonna go where it's supposed to go. But in the meantime, I'm gonna do every damn thing I can to prepare myself for this and to get the chance. And I auditioned August 13, 2021. That was my first audition.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Wow.

[Bowen Yang]

And then I got called back, and then I got called back again, and then I did screen tests with two different actresses, and it was like a three, three and a half hour session that day.

[Cynthia Erivo]

So much goes into. I mean, just even. Cause you're really singing. I mean, you're going for it. I mean, you and Cynthia Erivo.

[Bowen Yang]

Cynthia Erivo, everyone.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Oh, great. Great chemistry. Great partner. Great chemistry. When did you find out Cynthia was gonna play?

[Bowen Yang]

I found out. So when they called me to tell me that I had the part, I had one heart attack. That was the first one.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Yeah.

[Bowen Yang]

And then they told me that I was gonna be playing opposite Cynthia Erivo, and that was the second heart attack. And then I died. And I'm dead. And I'm dead here and still dead.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Perfect. You're still. You're still dead.

[Bowen Yang]

No. Yeah.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Congratulations. Yeah.

[Bowen Yang]

I mean, I've just been such a fan of hers for such a long time. She's so extraordinary. How are you? And getting to play opposite her and also just become true sisters with her has been such a beautiful experience. And I'm so grateful that it was us.

[Cynthia Erivo]

It really worked. It just, you know, I told you I was watching the movie. I was just in awe. And you're like, man, you took it to the next level. Only you can do this. Cause I'm like, you're funny, you're gorgeous, you can act, you can sing. It's everything and it's so great. I love the whole playing Glinda in Wicked is kind of a full circle moment for you in a lot of ways. We came across a newspaper article. There was a local production of wizard of Oz. And here is a young Ariana playing Dorothy.

[Bowen Yang]

Yes.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Was that unbelievable?

[Bowen Yang]

Oh, my goodness. Shout out to Toto.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Yeah. Toto was doing a good job as well there. Yeah.

[Bowen Yang]

Human toto.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Wow.

[Bowen Yang]

Spectacular.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Yeah. Everyone thought it was a human toto. Yeah. That's real method acting.

[Bowen Yang]

Yeah. Beautiful.

[Cynthia Erivo]

I auditioned for the toto in the movie. I didn't get it, but also I noticed when I looked at this article, your name here is Ariana Grande Butera.

[Bowen Yang]

Yes, indeed.

[Cynthia Erivo]

And when I was watching the credits in Wicked and everyone was clapping, I noticed your full name, which hadn't been seen before, is in the credits.

[Bowen Yang]

Yeah.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Why did you choose to do that?

[Bowen Yang]

Well, I feel like this whole experience was a little bit of a homecoming to that, to this girl in the little gingham dress there. And, you know, that was my name the first time I saw the show. And I see you saw Wicked. Yeah, that's my name. That's my real name. So it just feels like coming home to little Ari in certain ways. And that's a lot. What this movie is about is sort of taking your little self with you and grabbing its hand and saying, we might have gotten far apart along the way, but I've got you now. And we're going. We're going together. So.

[Cynthia Erivo]

You'Ve been all over the world talking about this movie. I mean, Australia, I saw you in Mexico City. I've seen you everywhere, and you're crushing it. Thank you. And what is it like? What's the reaction? What's it been like so far?

[Bowen Yang]

I mean, it's just been so overwhelming. And I think that really means a lot to us, to me and to Cynthia and John and Mark and everyone. Just because we are those fans of Wicked, you know?

[Cynthia Erivo]

Yeah, I know.

[Bowen Yang]

So to be trusted with this and given the opportunity to translate it to the movie version and breathe our own new truths into it, while also trying to find the balance between honoring the source material and then telling it in a more honest way.

[Cynthia Erivo]

I saw you. A great photo of you and our Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth.

[Bowen Yang]

Yes.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Who? I'm so psyched that you got to do it all together. A nice photo together. Have they seen it yet?

[Bowen Yang]

They have. They have seen it.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Yeah. They have seen it.

[Jeff Goldblum]

Yeah.

[Bowen Yang]

Idina and Kristen. They have seen it.

[Cynthia Erivo]

I have to ask you, Crested in this. Are we going to see more acting? Do you want to do this more?

[Bowen Yang]

I would love to. I think. I don't want to. I'm like, I'm very. I'm scared to freak my fans out when I talk about this. Just because music and being on stage will always be a part of my life. So that will always. I will always be there. We'll always have that together. But I just. I really do love acting and I think, yeah, I would love for that.

[Cynthia Erivo]

I think you should. You're the best. Ariana Grande. Who better to play the wizard of Oz than Jeff Copeland? That's what I say. It's unbelievable. I mean, when you get offered that role, do you go, oh, I have to. This is amazing. I have to do this?

[Jeff Goldblum]

Yes. It's a slam dunk. Well, John M. Chu, you look for a great director. He knows how to do it. He did.

[Cynthia Erivo]

He's one of my faves.

[Jeff Goldblum]

Yeah, me too. Crazy Rich Asians. And in the Heights.

[Cynthia Erivo]

He did that. In the Heights was great.

[Jeff Goldblum]

Yeah. To turn a musical into a great movie. And he has this time with the help of a great cast. Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Oh, my goodness. I can't think of anyone else. I can't think of anyone else. They're so good in this.

[Jeff Goldblum]

Blow your mind.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Blow your mind. There's no one else.

[Jeff Goldblum]

Absolutely. There's a curse, you know, I think on all the. Although having said that, there's a curse on all the people who have ever been in wicked, from the 20 year phenomenon that's been since we saw it 20 years ago. Because, you know, ever since, you know, when John Travolta said about Idina Menzel, Adele, Dazeem, he missed. I thought, oh, John Travolta, come on, don't do it. It's a curse. It's a curse. I myself was introducing Michelle Yeoh, who was in this movie. I called her Michael York. I said, here she is, Michael York. And then, and then.

[Cynthia Erivo]

He's also a great actor. Michael York.

[Jeff Goldblum]

Oh, so great. Jonathan Bailey. I said, here he is, George Barleycorn. Why I said that?

[Cynthia Erivo]

And then you think you say George Bailey and be like, merry Christmas.

[Jeff Goldblum]

I know. I love you.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Thank you.

[Jeff Goldblum]

And then Cynthia Erivo, Cinderella, Liberty.

[Jonathan Bailey]

Why did I say that?

[Cynthia Erivo]

You didn't say anything. I did.

[Jeff Goldblum]

Ariana Grande. Iliana Douglas. I said. And then I corrected and I said Adrian Zmed.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Adrian Zed, Dance Fever. No, not Dan's Fe.

[Jeff Goldblum]

Or. That was Denny.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Oh, that's Denny Terrio. Denny Terrio.

[Jeff Goldblum]

But then I said, andy, I'm your host, Cliff Gorman. My own name I got wrong because I'm in the cast.

[Cynthia Erivo]

That's unbelievable. You can't.

[Jeff Goldblum]

That's our show. Drive safely.

[Cynthia Erivo]

But no, but I have to say that Ariana Grande. You have met Ariana Grande. When she was a. I didn't know that.

[Jeff Goldblum]

She told me this halfway through shooting. She said, we. That's her. I was doing this thing. That's Stubert Alley. I was doing this play at the Booth Theater, the Pillow man, and she, with her mom Joan came backstage.

[Cynthia Erivo]

She was a. Is it Martin McDonough?

[Jeff Goldblum]

Yes, exactly. Martin McDonough. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. That was a good production with Michael Stuhlbarg and Billy Crudup and Jelko Ivanik.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Yes, yes, but so you met Ariana and so now you're here, you're working and she's Unbelievable, right?

[Jeff Goldblum]

Oh, my God, no. Ariana Grande and Cynthia Rivo both. Yeah, well, when they sing, I mean, you. You sing up a storm. No, but they, they sing well.

[Cynthia Erivo]

They rock the house.

[Jeff Goldblum]

They rock the house. They're deeply gifted. I said, how did you get this way? What happened? Gifted. But they work. They've worked craft wise for all these years.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Just amazing.

[Jeff Goldblum]

Amazingly, you know, 99 perspiration, 1% inspiration. They were all devoted to this material. Stephen Schwartz's music.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Get ready to see these. I mean, if you're a fan of Cynthia Riva or Ariana Grande before Get ready. It's the next level. They take it to the next level. But I was gonna ask you because I know you have Madame Tussauds, but there's a bunch of statues in this film of you as the. As Oz. There's a lot of Jeff Goldblum's carved features in mountains and stuff. Did you get to keep. Did you get to keep any of it?

[Jonathan Bailey]

No.

[Jeff Goldblum]

Well, they kept their eye on us. They had the great. Nathan Crowley was the production designer. They had great props all around. Who know, we couldn't get sticky fingers about any of that stuff. No, there have been, you know, things of me here and there, but Wes Anderson, I remember after Life Aquatic with Steve Z. Sue, there's a big. Bill Murray and I were in the Explorers Club and we had big paintings made of our characters in that. And he said, after the fact, he said, you know, I have this thing. Do you want it? I said, okay. And I framed it. And gold's enormous. I have it in my living room. Hopefully presented in an ironic way.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Do you really have it? That's the best. If you ever go to Jeff Goldblum's house. Oh, thank you.

[Jeff Goldblum]

Thank you.

[Cynthia Erivo]

There's a special. There's a special on NBC airing November 19th. It's at 10pm it's called Defying Gravity. It's called the Curtain Rises on Wicked. It's behind the scenes of making of this. And also a. They're gonna show a sneak peek of an actual scene from the film. No spoilers, but you get to see how much work and everything goes in. Cause a lot of it isn't really CGI effects. They're like. They really built the.

[Jeff Goldblum]

They made it. They planted 9 million tulips. And they have. The set is all around you. Yeah. You're not. You're not in front of anything.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Jeff Goldblum making history. Wicked is in theaters everywhere. November 20Bowen Yang. I'm so psyched for you. Proud of you, man. All well deserved. You're one of the funniest, best performers out there right now. And this is a giant moment, man. Wicked. This is big.

[Jonathan Bailey]

Thanks, Jimmy. Congratulations, James Fallon.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Let's start first with Saturday Night Live. You just finished your 100th episode.

[Jonathan Bailey]

Oh, wow. That's crazy. Isn't that wild? I'm a quarter of the way to Kenan. That's crazy.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Isn't that wild?

[Jonathan Bailey]

Yeah, that's wild.

[Cynthia Erivo]

You really are the spirit. Past week. Here you are as Charli XCX with Charlie. Xcx.

[Jonathan Bailey]

Charlie.

[Cynthia Erivo]

She was. She was Troye Sivant.

[Jonathan Bailey]

And I look like. I look like Tommy Wiseau.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Do we know who that is? The room. The room.

[Jonathan Bailey]

I look like the room guy.

[Cynthia Erivo]

That's so funny.

[Jonathan Bailey]

That was so fun.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Did you get nervous doing someone in front of someone if you're doing them?

[Jonathan Bailey]

Yes. I think this is my first time doing that technically. And it's like. It's like showing someone, like, macaroni art you made of them, you know, here's this really crude version of you.

[Cynthia Erivo]

There you go. This is. Yeah. But she was totally cool.

[Jonathan Bailey]

She was so down to do it, and she wanted to do Troy. Everyone is like, Bowen Ying keeps trying to get Troy Sivan on snl. I'm like. Because he's a big deal.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Yes. He's giant.

[Jonathan Bailey]

Giant.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Yeah, he's.

[Jonathan Bailey]

And I love him.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Yeah, he's super fun. Oh, no, that's you and Yuck. That's you and Ariana Grande. Now this.

[Jonathan Bailey]

Yes. Not just in A Streetcar Named Desire.

[Cynthia Erivo]

No, no, no. You were in a sketch called Charades with Mom. Yes. And it got a little out of control, and you went for it. But here's what I love about you. Cause you guys are friends. You're friends with Ariana Grande. She's unbelievable. And you had to do this part where at the end, you're like, should we maybe kiss at the end? Yeah. Yeah. Cause you guys hate each other the whole sketch. And then that would be a good ending, right?

[Jonathan Bailey]

It was a great ending. It was the perfect ending. But, like, we were both too shy, and we both had the same idea. She was like, I was gonna kiss you as a joke, but, like, that would have been weird. And then I texted her later. I was like, hey, you can totally say no. Please say no. But what if we kissed? And she was like, yes, let's do it. But I had to apologize to her because I opened my mouth too much and, like, I parted my lips too much. And can we all agree that's like, date number four. Like, yeah.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Yes.

[Jonathan Bailey]

You don't do that on the first go.

[Cynthia Erivo]

You went for it.

[Jonathan Bailey]

Oh, what's wrong with me?

[Cynthia Erivo]

But I love that you called it right out. And you're like, I'm so sorry.

[Jonathan Bailey]

I'm so sorry.

[Cynthia Erivo]

I did not. But she was like, that's totally cool. She goes, yeah.

[Jonathan Bailey]

But, like, okay. Have you kissed a friend before like that?

[Cynthia Erivo]

No.

[Jeff Goldblum]

No.

[Jonathan Bailey]

Well, darn. I thought this was gonna be relatable.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Yes.

[Michelle Yeoh]

I'm sorry.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Yes, of course I have. Yes. Yes, I did.

[Jonathan Bailey]

It's like, when it's a joke, it's like, you still gotta sell it. It's acting.

[Cynthia Erivo]

It's acting, it's acting. I do know that she's a giant fan and loves you so much. And she actually called Lorne to get you to do Wicked. Did you know this?

[Jonathan Bailey]

I didn't know this until later, but, yeah, like, it wasn't gonna work out with the scheduling. Lauren was like, you can't miss shows. I was like, totally king. I understand. I won't do it. And so I let the dream go. I was like, oh, I was almost in Wicked. That would have been so fun. And then Ari picked up the phone and called him. And then he was like, okay, sure. He's an arianator, apparently. And if, like, your boss doesn't let you do something, get Ariana Grande on the horn.

[Cynthia Erivo]

And, yeah, she'll fix it for you. When did you get a chance to see it? Was it big premiere to do all the things. You're so good in it.

[Jonathan Bailey]

You gotta be really psyched about this. I saw for the first time with people at SNL when Ari came to host. They did, like, a screening for all of us, and I wasn't gonna go because I was like, I don't want to watch it for the first time in, like, a big group around my co workers and my friends. And so I was like, I'm not gonna do it. But then I thought the day of. I was like, you know what? My first trip to New York City, on the same day I begged my parents to go to the Gershwin Theater. We couldn't afford tickets, but I begged them to go just so I could touch the glass and, like, look at the lobby and, like, see what it was like inside.

[Cynthia Erivo]

No way.

[Jonathan Bailey]

And the same day, we came to 30 Rock. We came here to take the studio tour at SNL. And I was like, I got to be in both of those things. And it's the universe. It's, like, so full circle. Like, sometimes the universe makes it so easy. And so I was like, I have to see it with my SNL family. And I'm so glad I did. It was so much fun. Everyone go see it, please.

[Cynthia Erivo]

It's so. Oh, my God. You were phenomenal in it. We all know how funny you are. And you can. But. You can be so funny. But, man, Bowen, I told you this the other day. You can dance, buddy.

[Jonathan Bailey]

I can.

[Cynthia Erivo]

You can dance. You're great in this film.

[Jonathan Bailey]

Oh, thank you.

[Cynthia Erivo]

I was like, bowen, you're dancing. It's the first thing I had to say to you. Cause I saw you the other day. Yeah.

[Jonathan Bailey]

Cause you saw me the other day, and you were like, you're dancing. And I'm like, no, that was a deep fake. No, it's crazy. It's crazy that I danced in this. It's nuts.

[Cynthia Erivo]

It's crushed. It's so good. And then those lines, are those written or improv?

[Jonathan Bailey]

Those were mostly improvised.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Ooh, I felt a little Bowen. Oh, a little bow and yang magic in there.

[Jonathan Bailey]

But no, this is the thing. I was like, I'm not gonna change a word of this script. This is a perf perfect script. I'm not gonna ruin this movie with my thoughts. But then. But then on every camera take, like, Jon M. Chu, the director, a wonderful director, was like, now do one just for fun. Now do one.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Just.

[Jonathan Bailey]

You, like, just something that you would say, like, off the cuff in ad lib. And I was like, okay, if you want. And then this man pulled a fast one on me. He used every single ad lib.

[Cynthia Erivo]

He's brilliant. He knows what's up, I guess.

[Jonathan Bailey]

But, like, I am so sorry that millions of people have to see me say these silly words.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Oh, it's so good. And it gets giant laughs at the. Oh, good, good. Giant laughs. There was a line, though, that got cut that did not make it in the film that you were getting quoted for, which is hilarious that it's not even in the film.

[Jonathan Bailey]

It's not even in the movie.

[Cynthia Erivo]

But can you tell everyone what it is? Cause people in London were having signs of it.

[Jonathan Bailey]

People in London had signs. They made shirts. It's so silly. If you listen to my podcast, Las Coldristas with Aria Negranda, you'll know it's great.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Thank you.

[Jonathan Bailey]

Oh, my God.

[Cynthia Erivo]

The podcast is fantastic. Wow.

[Jonathan Bailey]

God love you. It was the first introduction to my character. I run into Glinda. I'm like, you remember me from school? Anyway, she's like, how have you been? And I improvised this line. I went, I've been through, I've been through. Which is like not. I've been through, I've been through it. I've been through, I've been through.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Yeah, it's kind of classic. It's a great line.

[Jonathan Bailey]

It's a great line. And you save one, you chop one word off, you save a syllable and I. Apparently, people, I've been through. I've been through.

[Cynthia Erivo]

What do we do with that line? You have to do something with it. Now either is it a comedy special or does it make the extended cut?

[Jonathan Bailey]

I think, I think there's gonna be some kind of extended cut. Even though it's a two and a half hour long movie.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Flies, but flies.

[Jonathan Bailey]

But I promise you, like, not as beautiful.

[Cynthia Erivo]

It is a spectacle. Bohen Yang, everybody, please welcome Michelle Yeoh. I. I want to talk to you about Wicked too, because I know you're filming this. Was filming done or not yet?

[Michelle Yeoh]

For me, yes. I just rapped last week in London.

[Cynthia Erivo]

I know you can act, I know you can do action, all this stuff, but I didn't know you could sing.

[Michelle Yeoh]

Neither did I.

[Cynthia Erivo]

That's what I.

[Michelle Yeoh]

When he called me, he says, I really wanted you to do this for me with me and, you know, read the script. And I think, John, for you, John Chu is what I did crazy rotations with.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Oh, he's brilliant.

[Michelle Yeoh]

He is brilliant. He really is truly brilliant. So I'm like, for you. Yes, send me the script. I read the script. I called him John. You realize she sings, right? And he goes, uh huh, yeah.

[Cynthia Erivo]

I don't sing. You're like, I'll do anything else.

[Michelle Yeoh]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, don't worry. Then the next day I get this video and I look at it and it's like, hi, Michelle, I just have two people here who really wants to talk to you and tell you why you should be here. And it was Ariana and Cynthia. She's like, it's imperative, Cynthia Eriva, that you come and join.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Imperative.

[Michelle Yeoh]

Imperative was the royal word.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Yeah. And Ariana Grande, who's just unbelievable. So they're both amazing.

[Michelle Yeoh]

And Ariana are like angels. When you walk on and you hear them sing, it's like you've gone to heaven.

[Cynthia Erivo]

I feel like that's extra pressure to walk on set.

[Bowen Yang]

Oh, no.

[Michelle Yeoh]

Hell no. You're not gonna try and outdo that.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Oh, no, no.

[Michelle Yeoh]

You just like go in and I'm gonna be Jimmy Fallon.

[Cynthia Erivo]

Yeah, that's kind of how I do it. Yeah. Yeah.

[Jimmy Fallon]

Thanks for listening to the Tonight show starring Jimmy Fallon. Don't forget to subscribe to get the latest episodes weekday mornings. Wherever you get your podcasts, watch the Tonight show starring Jimmy Fallon, weeknights on NBC and streaming on Peacock.