Casting directors Tiffany Little Canfield and Bernard Telsey, who have shaped Broadway’s Wicked for nearly three decades, shared insights into their work on the highly anticipated film adaptation Wicked: For Good. The duo discussed their process of discovering standout performers, including actors for major and minor roles, and highlighted the casting of a wheelchair user in the role of Nessarose, marking a milestone for inclusivity. They also reflected on the “resonant” finale and the challenges of translating a beloved musical to film. The adaptation, directed by Jon M. Chu, began its main casting process in 2021.
Casting Process and Key Roles
Little Canfield and Telsey collaborated with producer Mark Platt to bring the iconic Wicked story to the big screen. “That’s when we started actually actively calling agents and setting up appointments in 2021,” Little Canfield said. Among standout casting choices were Ethan Slater as Boq, Hattie Ryan as a young Elphaba’s friend, and Marissa Bode as Nessarose. Telsey noted that finding the right actress for Nessarose required global outreach, including a digital open call, to ensure representation and the ability to capture the character’s arc fully.
Favorite Discoveries and Voice Work
Telsey praised the voice casting process, highlighting Peter Dinklage as Dr. Dillamond and Colman Domingo as the Cowardly Lion. “We all know who these names are, but when you sit around you’re like, ‘Well who sounds like a goat? Who sounds like a lion?’” he said. Little Canfield added that voice roles require understanding both the character’s qualities and storytelling needs. On set, both casting directors appreciated observing the film come to life during the London shoot, witnessing dancers and locations, and collaborating closely with the production team.
Inclusion and Representation
Casting Nessarose with a wheelchair user marked a historic step in film adaptation for inclusivity, something not possible in the original Broadway show. Little Canfield emphasized the importance of broadening representation: “It was huge…having the opportunity to cast someone extraordinarily talented and also authentic to the character was exciting.” Telsey noted that the film’s attention to character dynamics and stakes would resonate with audiences, particularly in portraying high-stakes performances by lead actors such as Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo.
Anticipated Release and Viewer Experience
Wicked: For Good will debut in theaters, inviting audiences to experience the story with fresh insights and a renewed focus on diversity. Fans should watch for standout performances from Ethan Slater, Nessarose, and the supporting ensemble, as well as the emotional impact of the finale. Both casting directors encourage viewers to notice the depth of character development, inclusivity milestones, and the intricacies of voice acting that bring the magical world of Wicked to life on screen.
