Ethan Slater’s journey to securing his role in the film adaptation of “Wicked” appears to have a touch of enchantment.
On the day he was invited to send in an audition tape for the character Boq, Slater found himself embodying the twin brother of actor Christopher Fitzgerald during a table read for a new musical. Interestingly, Fitzgerald is known for originating the role of Boq on Broadway. Slater shared that he refrained from mentioning the audition to Fitzgerald, as he did not want to have to explain things if he did not land the part. In a quirky twist, he took a selfie with Fitzgerald for no apparent reason, which he cherishes still.
After landing the role, Slater was committed to paying homage to Fitzgerald’s vibrant portrayal while also making the character uniquely his own.
“I have such admiration for him,” Slater remarked about Fitzgerald. “I aimed to honor Fitzgerald’s energetic Boq while putting my own spin on it. Trying to replicate Chris Fitzgerald would be impossible; he is one of a kind.”
Fitzgerald has since seen the film and praised Slater’s performance, which Slater intends to preserve by framing a commendatory message Fitzgerald sent him.
“Ethan strikes the ideal balance between depth and humor as an actor,” Fitzgerald noted in an email. “His portrayal of Boq is both sincere and whimsically delightful. It was a joy to witness a friend taking the essence of what had been done previously and transforming it into something fresh and entirely original. He embodies Boq.”
The story of “Wicked” serves as a prequel to the classic “Wizard of Oz,” featuring Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba. Jonathan Bailey appears as Fiyero, a prince who meets Glinda and Elphaba at school.
The original tale was conceived by Gregory Maguire and is presented in the novel “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West.”
As for filming the high-budget project directed by Jon M. Chu, known for works like “Crazy Rich Asians” and “In the Heights,” Slater described the experience as surprisingly intimate. At its core, the cast comprised a group of theater enthusiasts uniquely passionate about their craft.
“I find myself echoing Jonathan Bailey, who expressed during filming that it felt like a student project until it didn’t,” Slater recounted.
All the principal actors, including Erivo, Grande, Bailey, and Slater, come from a musical theater background. Slater was nominated for a Tony Award in 2018 for his lead role in “SpongeBob SquarePants” on Broadway and appeared in the revival of “Spamalot” earlier this year.
“We invested so much of ourselves. Our commitment mirrored that of typical theater kids who wish to protect this production passionately. It was incredibly joyful and felt like family,” Slater expressed.
The enchanting experience has led Slater and his fellow actors to often reflect on their time together, even during moments of leisure.
“At dinner last night, we found ourselves reminiscing about ‘Wicked’—there’s something naturally theater kid about hyper-focusing on something we cherish so deeply,” he shared.
The actors performed live on set, a choice Slater believes enhances the quality of their performances.
“There’s a seamless transition as we transition from dialogue to song. You’re not preoccupied with singing or future dubbing; you’re just immersed in the act of performing,” he explained.
“Wicked” is set to have its premiere on November 22, with the film being split into two parts, the second of which is slated for release in November 2025.
Although Slater acknowledges that such decisions about dividing the film have sparked debate, he reconciles with differing opinions.
“I completely understand, but I believe when viewers see the film, they’ll recognize that it has a well-structured narrative with comprehensive character development. Audiences will likely feel compelled to watch it again. I can’t wait for the sequel,” he remarked.
Within the film, Boq harbors a crush on Glinda, while off-screen, Slater and Grande are in a romantic relationship.
“Her fans will be astounded,” he noted. “Anyone who appreciates Ariana’s talent knows she possesses one of the greatest voices of all time and can achieve anything with it. Her performance is extraordinary, and her comedic skills are remarkable.”
In addition to “Wicked,” Slater stars in the film “Lost on a Mountain in Maine,” which is currently in theaters. He is also developing a poignant play centered on humanity where he hopes to portray French mime Marcel Marceau.
“In theater, the celebration often doesn’t happen until opening night, and even then, holding back until the close is customary. However, we are genuinely excited about its prospects, and we anticipate sharing more news soon.”