Amanda Seyfried's Six Auditions for Wicked: The Role She Almost Played

Amanda Seyfried's Bizarre Audition Saga: How She Chased Wicked and Passed on Guardians of the Galaxy

The fascinating world of Hollywood auditioning is a minefield of rejections, second chances, and sometimes, just plain weirdness. Take Amanda Seyfried, for instance – this 39-year-old Oscar nominee (for her stunning performance in Mamma Mia!) has been open about her intense experiences trying out for some of the most coveted roles in show business.

Recently, on Backstage's In the Envelope podcast, Seyfried revealed that she auditioned a whopping SIX TIMES for the iconic role of Elphaba in Wicked. Yes, you read that right – six times! The Mean Girls star confessed, "I'm in that privileged spot where I just don't have to [audition], But I like, of course, I talked about this a lot." This wasn't the first time she discussed her extensive auditioning process; on March's Happy Sad Confused podcast episode, Seyfried shared more about why she was so determined to land the role.

"I was able to really prepare, and I'm telling you, I've never felt that solid in my voice than I did at the auditions," she gushed. "And that's kind of what I got out of it." However, fate had other plans – a talented newcomer, Ariana Grande (yes, THAT Ariana Grande!), secured the role of Glinda instead.

But Amanda didn't stop there; in November, Cynthia Erivo, who was also vying for the role, shared her thoughts on the whole ordeal with The New York Times. "It was no surprise whatsoever" when she learned about Ariana's casting. Seyfried herself had auditioned for the part of Glinda in 2022 – but we're still waiting to hear more about that experience.

The Wicked Games: Unraveling the Behind-the-Scenes Drama

Cynthia Erivo, who was up for the role alongside Seyfried and Grande, let slip that she wasn't surprised when Ariana got the part. What's interesting is that Cynthia didn't mention Amanda by name, but it's clear that these talented ladies were all in the running for Glinda.

The Long Bright River star (Seyfried) has been quite candid about her career choices – and this particular auditioning saga highlights her dedication to nailing the perfect role. We can only imagine what went down behind closed doors during those grueling auditions, but one thing's for sure: Seyfried came out on top with her Oscar nod for Mamma Mia!

From Wicked to Guardians of the Galaxy: A Career Turning Point?

Fast-forward a few years, and we're transported to 2014 – when Seyfried turned down the chance to star alongside Chris Pratt in James Gunn's blockbuster film, Guardians of the Galaxy. "I was way too scared" she admitted on Happy Sad Confused podcast. Who wouldn't be intimidated by playing Gamora, the Green-skinned superheroine?

It turns out that Seyfried didn't want to take a risk and potentially suffer for her craft. "Being part of the first Marvel movie that bombs ain't good for your career," she cautioned listeners. Thankfully, her instincts proved correct – Guardians went on to gross over $773 million worldwide!

But did Amanda ever regret passing up this iconic role? Not quite: "[James Gunn] is a genius and he's fun and he's a wonderful filmmaker, and he can make anything work." Her hesitation was rooted in uncertainty about the project at that time. We're left wondering – would Seyfried have been a box office smash as Gamora?

Conclusion

Amanda Seyfried has given us a glimpse into her world of auditions, rejections, and second chances. From six Wicked audition attempts to turning down Guardians of the Galaxy, we've seen this talented actress navigate the high-stakes world of Hollywood. As she continues to light up screens with her remarkable performances, one thing's clear: Amanda Seyfried has earned her place in Tinseltown history.

The Takeaway

In a fascinating display of vulnerability and determination, Seyfried bares all about her experiences trying out for Wicked and Guardians of the Galaxy. Whether it's sharing laughs or shedding light on behind-the-scenes secrets, this Oscar-nominated star is our ultimate guide to Hollywood's most coveted roles. So sit back, relax, and let Amanda Seyfried regale you with tales from the wild world of show business.

Sources:

• Backstage's In the Envelope podcast
• Happy Sad Confused podcast (March episode)
• The New York Times interview with Cynthia Erivo

Note: All references to the original news source have been removed and replaced with The Scholarly Note.