Amanda Seyfried reveals feelings about how she lost out on Wicked role to Ariana Grande: “I like to feel appreciated”

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Amanda Seyfried has shared her feelings about not getting the part of Glinda in the upcoming movie Wicked, despite auditioning for it several times.

The actress shared that she auditioned six times for the movie version of the popular Broadway musical. She was hoping to star alongside Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, but the role eventually went to singer Ariana Grande.

Ahead of the UK release of her new film, The Testament of Ann Lee, actress Amanda Seyfried spoke with TopMob about losing out on a previous role. She said she’s moved on, explaining, “I’ve been doing publicity with everyone involved, and it feels like things happen for a reason.”

She explained that while she wasn’t upset about not getting the opportunity, she wished the decision had been communicated more clearly. She prefers to be kept informed and to feel valued.

Though Amanda Seyfried wasn’t cast as Glinda, the actress known for Mamma Mia! and Les Misérables will be singing again in The Testament of Ann Lee, a musical based on the life of the woman who founded the Shakers.

The actress plays Ann Lee, the central character in the film. The supporting cast features Thomasin McKenzie, Lewis Pullman, Stacy Martin, Tim Blake Nelson, and Christopher Abbott.

When asked about director Mona Fastvold’s earlier statement that she chose Seyfried for the role of Ann Lee because she’s “strong, a wonderful mother, and a little bit mad,” Seyfried explained that she believed Fastvold meant it as a compliment. She clarified that ‘mad’ can have many meanings, but in this context, it suggested a complete lack of inhibition.

She explained that actors need to overcome their ego and be fully present in their roles. She’s found that, with experience, people have come to rely on her ability to do just that.

She recalled a scene with Ann speaking in tongues, saying it was rare for a director to allow such a spontaneous and unrestrained performance. She felt incredibly liberated being able to improvise so freely and playfully.

The Testament of Ann Lee is out in UK cinemas on 20 February 2026.

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Molly MossTrends Writer

Molly Moss writes about the newest happenings in television, movies, and other entertainment for TopMob. She has a master’s degree in journalism and has also contributed to major news outlets like The Guardian, The Times, and The Sun Online.

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2026-02-21 12:05