Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo have joined the new Wicked movie which is due to start filming next year.

The two stars will be playing the film's lead roles Glinda and Elphaba respectively. 

Wicked's director John M. Chu made the announcement yesterday on Twitter. 

The In the Heights director said:"Goooood Newwwws!!! The incredible #CynthiaErivo and@ArianaGrande will be our Elphaba and Galinda in @WickedMovie @UniversalPics

"Get ready for a match up like you’ve never seen!!! In pink and green!!!"

This comes after the production of the film was officially moved to Universal's studio in Elstree, Hertfordshire.

When will Wicked the movie be released?

While we don't have an exact release date, filming is expected to start in June 2022 which means that we are one step closer to a Wicked movie adaption. 

It at least allows us to speculate a little and we expect we'll see a possible release date for sometime in 2023 at the earliest.

Wicked the  movie cast

Both of the newly appointed actors confirmed the news on their personal social media accounts. 

Grande posted a picture of herself on Instagram with her hands covering her face in disbelief. 

Alongside the post, the 'Thank U, Next' singer said:"thank goodness @jonmchu @cynthiaerivo @wickedmovie" alongside a heart. 

Fans couldn't contain their excitement either with the post racking up over 4 million likes since the announcement. 

The pop artist and rapper Lizzo commented:"OMG" twice on the snap.

While John Legend wrote:"So exciting! @arianagrande @cynthiaerivo!!!"

The singer was a popular choice amongst celebrities and fans of the hit Broadway musical. 

Even the leads of the former music - Idina Menzel and Kristen Chenoworth- backed Ariana for the role.

Back in 2019, Kristen tweeted that she thought she thought Ariana and Dove Cameron should take on the starring roles in a Wicked film. 

We are so excited to see Cynthia Erivo take on the role of Elphaba in the upcoming adaptation. 

Erivo also took to Instagram to confirm the news, saying:"Pink goes good with Green @wickedmovie @jonmchu @arianagrande" with three green hearts. 

The Outsider actress shared a picture holding her face in shock, alongside a snap of flowers sent to her by her co-star, Ariana. 

The thoughtful gift included a note which said:"Dear Cynthia, 

"Honoured doesn't even begin to cover it.

I cannot wait to hug you. 

"See you in Oz.

"All my love, Ari."