Ariana Grande and her “Wicked” co-star, Cynthia Erivo, recently made headlines during their appearance at the Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles on Saturday, October 19. The two stars discussed the implications of artificial intelligence in film marketing, particularly in light of an AI-edited poster for their upcoming movie, which controversially obscured Erivo’s face.
In an interview with Variety, Grande, 31, reflected on the complexities of AI technology. “I think it’s very complicated because I find AI so conflicting and troublesome sometimes,” she stated. “But I think it’s just kind of such a massive adjustment period. This is something that is so much bigger than us, and the fans are gonna have fun and make their edits.”
The discussion arose after Grande was asked whether there are limits to how far AI can go in the creative realm. Grande responded thoughtfully, expressing her respect for Erivo. “I think so. And I have so much respect for my sister, Cynthia, and I love her so much. It’s just a big adjustment period,” she said. She emphasized the overwhelming nature of current technological advancements, noting that “it’s so much stimulation about something that’s so much bigger than us.”
Erivo, 37, had previously voiced her discontent with the altered poster on her social media. On Wednesday, October 16, she took to Instagram to criticize the AI-generated image, which had manipulated her character, Elphaba, in a way that obscured her identity. “This is the wildest, most offensive thing I have seen,” she wrote, comparing it to a previous controversial AI-generated image of the two actresses fighting. “None of this is funny. None of it is cute. It degrades me. It degrades us.”
The original poster for “Wicked” was intended as a tribute to the Broadway show’s iconic artwork, not as an exact reproduction. Erivo passionately explained her feelings about the alteration. “To edit my face and hide my eyes is to erase me,” she concluded. “And that is just deeply hurtful.” The Tony Award-winning actress further emphasized her perspective by sharing the unaltered version of the movie poster on her Instagram Stories, stating, “Let me put this right here, to remind you and cleanse your palette.”
The dialogue surrounding AI’s role in artistic expression continues to be a topic of heated debate. Grande and Erivo’s experiences highlight the growing pains artists face in navigating a landscape increasingly influenced by technology. Both actresses are aware that while AI offers exciting possibilities, it can also infringe upon their identities and the authenticity of their work.
The poster controversy has sparked discussions among fans and industry insiders about the implications of using AI in film promotion. As creators seek to engage audiences in new ways, there are valid concerns about the potential for misrepresentation and the erasure of individual artistry. Grande’s and Erivo’s perspectives serve as a reminder that while technology evolves, the core principles of respect and authenticity should remain paramount in the creative process.
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“Wicked,” based on the hit Broadway musical, is set to premiere on November 22, 2024. The film will explore the untold story of the witches of Oz, offering a fresh take on the beloved narrative. Part Two of the adaptation is scheduled for release on November 26, 2025. The excitement surrounding the project continues to grow, fueled by the remarkable talents of its stars and the rich source material.
As Grande and Erivo prepare for the film’s debut, their friendship, rooted in mutual respect and admiration, will undoubtedly shine through in their performances. Both actresses have expressed their enthusiasm for sharing this new chapter of the “Wicked” story with audiences worldwide.
