Two Mexican actresses will dub the voices and sing in Spanish for Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande’s characters in the Latin American version of Wicked. The moment is especially full circle for Danna, who played Elphaba nearly 10 years ago in a Mexican version of the musical.
Jon M. Chu’s film adaptation of Wicked stars Erivo and Grande in the lead roles. Erivo will take on the role of Elphaba, who is also known as the Wicked Witch of the West. Grande will play Glinda the Good. Both roles are known for their big musical numbers. Elphaba usually performs the show-stopping “Defying Gravity” while Glinda makes her mark with the upbeat “Popular.” After months of speculation around Mexican pop star Danna dubbing the voice of Elphaba, she has finally confirmed the news alongside Ceci De La Cueva, who will voice Glinda.
“We’ve come here today to clarify all the rumors,” Danna says in Spanish in a video announcement. “We’re going to return to the Emerald City as Elphaba and Glinda,” she adds with De La Cueva.
In the trailer for the Latin American version of Wicked, both Danna and De La Cueva can be heard dubbing the voices for Elphaba and Glinda. Danna’s voice can also be heard belting out the Spanish version of “Defying Gravity.” She is no stranger to the Wicked Witch of the West role. Back in October 2013, Danna played the role of Elphaba in the first Spanish-language production of Wicked in Mexico City. The musical’s composer Stephen Schwartz praised her interpretation of Elphaba at the time.
Wicked will be released in theaters around the world on November 22. Back in April, Danna dropped her latest album Childstar. In the personal song “Platonik,” she opened up about the time she had feelings for another woman.