Amanda Seyfried clears up Wicked audition speculation with Cynthia Erivo & reflects on missed Marvel role

Al Bawaba

22-03-2025

ALBAWABA - Amanda Seyfried may have resolved months of fan conjecture regarding Cynthia Erivo, 38, and Wicked auditions shade.
On the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Amanda said, 'I knew Wicked was coming, so I was able to really prepare, and I'm telling you, I've never felt so solid in my voice as I did during the auditions.'
'I also got to sing with Cynthia [Erivo], and that was a moment in itself,' Amanda remarked on the show.
Cynthia told The New York Times in November that Ariana Grande, 31, playing Glinda, was 'no surprise whatsoever.'
"I said, "Thank God.'" Cynthia said, 'Thank goodness, because it was not the two ladies that I was auditioning with.' Ariana recounted.
TORONTO, ONTARIO - FEBRUARY 25: Amanda Seyfried (Photo by Jeremy Chan / Getty Images via AFP)
In 2022, Seyfried, 39, revealed that she had auditioned for Glinda, but she didn't say if she auditioned with Cynthia.
She auditioned while filming The Dropout, in which she played disgraced scientist Elizabeth Holmes and earned an Emmy.
Amanda accepts her Glinda role denial. She even praised Ariana's performance.
'I do, again, think everything occurs for a reason,' she remarked. 'I also got to sing with Cynthia, and that was a moment in itself.'
Glinda has also mentioned Renee Rapp, but she hasn't confirmed it.
Amanda declined the role of Gamora in Guardians of the Galaxy with Chris Pratt almost a decade ago.
The actress spoke about her career blessings while promoting her new Peacock series, Long Bright River.
When asked about ones that almost happened, Seyfried acknowledged the potential to star in James Gunn's 2014 Marvel Comics-based superhero flick.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 10: Amanda Seyfried (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images via AFP)
In a March 20 Happy Sad Confused podcast interview, she admits to feeling risky when offered the part.
"Appearing in the first Marvel movie to bomb isn't good for your career," she told Josh Horowitz.
The film's talking tree and raccoon made me think it would be Marvel's first disaster and Chris Pratt and I would never collaborate again. Was wrong.
The Allentown, Pennsylvania native never considered playing Gamora, played by Zoe Saldaña, a risky choice from Gunn, who co-wrote and directed the production.
'[He's] a genius, and he's fun, and he's a brilliant director, and he can make anything work,' she remarked.
But I was too terrified. I would rather not suffer for work in a dangerous professional stage.
Guardians of the Galaxy grossed $773.4 million worldwide and cost $195.9 million to make.
Despite the success of superhero films, Seyfried remains true to her instincts and does not play the part.
'I had done some green screen stuff, and it wasn't my cup of tea, and I don't regret any decision,' she said. In that moment, I decided to prioritize my preferences. This decision was excellent for me then, and it continues to be excellent for me now.
The Mean Girls actress couldn't be happier for everyone in Guardians of the Galaxy, believing everything turned out as planned.
I think Zoe Saldaña, Chris, and everyone involved in the movie are having a wonderful time, and it works for them, which I love. I appreciate that I trusted my instincts.
When Seyfried thought she had succeeded as an actor, she reflected on her career since 1996.
'I realized I had entered into a sphere when I was in Mama Mia!' she told Horowitz. 'When Mama Mia! was big, I had additional opportunities.'
She added, 'Over the years, the opportunities were still there, but they changed as you did, based on your decisions. Additionally, you're aging and evolving your preferences.
I'm happy to still have many possibilities, and now I feel like I've established a place where people trust and appreciate me as an actor.