What personal struggles did Ariana Grande face while filming Wicked?

Ariana Grande was going through a divorce from her husband Dalton Gomez while filming the Wicked movies, which director Jon M. Chu says added depth to her Oscar-nominated performance as Glinda.

Who is Ariana Grande's new romantic partner?

After splitting from Dalton Gomez, Ariana Grande has moved on with her Wicked co-star Ethan Slater, though the couple has kept their relationship private.

What can fans expect from the Wicked movies?

Director Jon M. Chu promises the second Wicked movie will have "extra meat" and that fans will get to see Grande and co-star Cynthia Erivo "really come to life as actors" as their characters grapple with their shattered childhood dreams.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Ariana Grande's Divorce Drama Fuels Powerful Wicked Performance

Ariana Grande's Divorce Drama Fuels Powerful Wicked Performance

5 Nov, 2025

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Summary

Ariana Grande filmed Wicked movies amid divorce
Director says her personal struggles added depth to performance
Grande moved on with Wicked co-star Ethan Slater

Ariana Grande's Divorce Drama Fuels Powerful Wicked Performance

Ariana Grande, 32, has been praised for her powerful performance as Glinda in the upcoming Wicked movies, which were filmed simultaneously. However, the actress was going through a personal divorce while on set, adding an extra layer of emotion to her Oscar-nominated role.

According to director Jon M. Chu, Grande's real-life struggles actually enhanced her portrayal of the Good Witch. "I got to watch her on days be upset in her real life and have to open up even more to deliver [even] for us," Chu revealed. "She was not hiding anything from this camera."