Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande appear to have a very close and affectionate relationship.
Since the beginning of the Wicked press tour in anticipation of the film’s 2024 release, it has become evident that the two co-stars have formed a tight bond.
With the sequel, Wicked: For Good, set to premiere on November 21, Erivo and Grande have continued their pattern of staying close and maintaining physical contact.
Recently, the duo made headlines when a fan unexpectedly approached Grande during an event on the golden carpet in Singapore. Erivo acted swiftly to protect her co-star.
After pushing the fan away, security intervened to remove him from the situation.
The 38-year-old British actress has now shared more about the nature of their relationship.
During an interview with NBC News, the Widows actress expressed, “This is a long-lasting friendship for us, we’re kind of like sisters at this moment in time, you know? And I think we’ve both learned from each other and given each other some really, really beautiful gifts.
“We’ve really looked after each other through this,” she added.
When asked about her quick reaction to the fan, the actress explained, “I wasn’t really thinking, I just wanted to make sure my friend was safe, you know? I’m sure he didn’t mean us harm but you just never know with those things and I wanted to make sure that she was okay. That was my first instinct.”
Grande also discussed their bond during her appearance on Amy Poehler’s Good Hang podcast this week.
The pop star shared that their physical closeness played a key role in their on-screen chemistry and the overall production of Wicked.
She mentioned their desire ‘to be safe in each other,’ emphasizing their emotional and physical connection to maintain closeness ‘as connected as much as possible, every step of the way’.
Referring to the viral ‘holding space’ moment, where Grande was seen holding Erivo’s finger during an emotional interview, she explained: “I channel a lot of energy through my hands, and so I’m always holding a hand, I’m always squeezing something.”
“I like to channel support and energy… I didn’t even notice it was a thing until that thing happened,” Grande said of the now-famous moment.
According to Grande, this intimacy began with her initiative upon meeting Erivo.
“Hey, we’re getting to know each other, we’re gonna learn a lot about each other very quickly, I want you to know there’s nothing that we can’t talk about,” she remembered saying.