Ariana Grande delivered a deeply moving performance as Glinda the Good Witch in the Wicked films, even while navigating personal challenges. According to director Jon M. Chu, Grande, 32, opened up fully on camera, allowing her real-life emotions to enrich her portrayal of Glinda.

Filming Wicked and Wicked: For Good Amid Personal Struggles

Chu revealed in a New York Times profile that Grande was facing personal difficulties, including her divorce from Dalton Gomez, while simultaneously filming Wicked and its sequel Wicked: For Good. Despite the emotional turmoil, Chu said, “I got to watch her on days be upset in her real life and have to open up even more to deliver [even] for us. She was not hiding anything from this camera.”

The director emphasized that Grande’s personal experiences lent depth to her performance, giving him confidence that she could excel in the film’s more dramatic and emotionally complex scenes.

Ariana Grande’s Personal Life During Filming

Grande and real estate broker Dalton Gomez filed for divorce in July 2023, following two years of marriage. Sources told PEOPLE that the couple remained “really caring and respectful” throughout the process, prioritizing privacy and patience.

The pair began dating in January 2020 and became engaged in December 2020, later tying the knot in an intimate ceremony on May 15, 2021. Although they had since separated, Grande continued to focus on her career and the demands of filming the Wicked movies.

Following the split, Grande reportedly began dating her Wicked co-star Ethan Slater, whom she met on set in 2022. While the relationship is kept private, Slater has shown support for Grande’s accomplishments, including her three MTV VMA wins in 2025, by sharing videos of her acceptance speeches.

Jon M. Chu on Wicked: For Good

Chu also discussed what audiences can expect from Wicked: For Good, the sequel hitting theaters November 21, 2025. He explained that the second movie builds on the first, allowing audiences to see both Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba) and Ariana Grande truly come to life as actors.

“This is their adult selves looking back at their childhood dreams, that are now shattered in front of them,” Chu said. He added that he hopes fans view the two films as one complete story, rather than separate installments, and teased, “I hope they get a few surprises!”

Ariana Grande’s Oscar-Worthy Performance

Grande’s willingness to channel her personal struggles into her role has already drawn attention for its authenticity. Chu highlighted that her emotional openness, combined with her star power and vocal talent, elevated Glinda’s character to new heights, making Wicked: For Good a must-watch for both fans of the original musical and new audiences.