Ariana Grande Explains Why Wicked and Gladiator II Are Basically Twins — And You Know What? She’s Got a Point

When you think of Wicked, you likely picture flying monkeys, emerald cities, and defying gravity. And when Gladiator II pops into your mind, it’s probably swords, sandals, and Russell Crowe’s brooding stares. What do these two cinematic universes have in common? Seemingly nothing, right? Well, Ariana Grande begs to differ—and her explanation might just make you do a double take.

The pop princess turned Broadway-trained powerhouse sat down with Paul Mescal, the Irish actor making waves in Hollywood for his roles in Aftersun and now Gladiator II. Grande, who’s playing Glinda the Good Witch in the highly anticipated Wicked movie, had some hilariously insightful observations about how these two blockbuster projects are actually more alike than you’d think.

“Two Sides of the Same Coin”

During a recent interview that felt more like an unfiltered coffee chat between two friends, Grande and Mescal got into the nitty-gritty of their respective projects. Grande casually mentioned how both Wicked and Gladiator II are “strangely similar” because, at their core, they’re about power struggles, alliances, and the lengths people go to achieve their dreams.

“Think about it,” Grande said. “Elphaba and Glinda are like political rivals who represent two opposing philosophies, just like in ancient Rome. One’s about challenging the status quo, and the other’s about preserving it. It’s basically the Senate but with more sequins and magic.”

Paul Mescal, clearly amused, chimed in, “So you’re saying my chariot scenes are just Roman versions of Glinda’s bubble rides?” To which Grande responded, “Exactly. Both are grand entrances—it’s all about the drama!”

Archetypes Galore

Grande’s breakdown doesn’t stop at chariots and bubbles. She pointed out how both movies hinge on archetypal characters that audiences love to analyze.

“There’s always a tragic hero,” she noted. “For Gladiator, it’s Maximus. In Wicked, it’s Elphaba. Both of them are misunderstood and fighting for justice, but they’re kind of doomed by the systems they’re trying to change. And then you have your morally ambiguous figures. In your movie, Paul, that’s probably Commodus. In mine, it’s Madame Morrible. They’re all puppeteers behind the scenes.”

Mescal leaned into the analogy, joking, “So you’re telling me I’m starring in a Roman remake of Wicked? Does that mean I get to sing?” Grande laughed, “Only if you’re ready to take on Stephen Schwartz’s music.”

Big Themes, Bigger Stakes

Beyond the surface-level parallels, Grande dug into the deeper themes that connect Wicked and Gladiator II. Both films wrestle with questions about morality, leadership, and how personal ambition can either destroy or uplift entire communities.

“In both stories, there’s this idea that being good or bad isn’t black and white,” Grande explained. “Elphaba starts out trying to do the right thing but gets labeled a villain because she doesn’t fit the mold. Maximus is just trying to live a quiet life, but he gets dragged into politics and revenge. It’s all about how the world twists people’s intentions.”

Mescal agreed, adding, “Yeah, both characters are kind of victims of their environments. It’s what makes their stories so compelling. Everyone loves an underdog who refuses to back down.”

The Power of Spectacle

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Grande-Mescal conversation without a nod to the sheer spectacle of their respective films. Grande was quick to point out how both Wicked and Gladiator II are designed to immerse audiences in completely different yet equally dazzling worlds.

“We’ve got giant sets, elaborate costumes, and moments that are meant to make your jaw drop,” she said. “Your movie’s all about epic battles and ancient architecture, while ours has towering Ozian castles and spellbinding musical numbers. But at the end of the day, it’s about making people feel like they’ve stepped into another dimension.”

Mescal joked, “So what you’re saying is, I should expect a crossover where Maximus leads an army of flying monkeys?” Grande shot back, “Only if Glinda gets to train them first.”

Fans Are Eating It Up

Naturally, fans of both stars have been quick to jump on social media to share their thoughts on Grande’s theory. One Twitter user wrote, “Ariana Grande just convinced me that Wicked and Gladiator II are the same movie. Now I’ll never unsee it.” Another joked, “Elphaba vs. Maximus: who wins in a fight? My money’s on the one with the green magic.”

Even some film critics have weighed in, praising Grande’s ability to make such an unexpected yet valid connection. “It’s a testament to how universal storytelling tropes can transcend genres,” one wrote. “She’s not wrong—both films explore the human condition through vastly different lenses.”

What This Means for Pop Culture

At the end of the day, Grande’s insight highlights something bigger about modern filmmaking: no matter how different two projects might seem, the best stories often share common DNA. Whether it’s the Emerald City or the Colosseum, audiences are drawn to tales of resilience, redemption, and the fight for justice.

As for Grande and Mescal, their lighthearted banter has only increased excitement for their upcoming movies. Wicked, directed by Jon M. Chu, promises to be a technicolor explosion of music and magic, while Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II is shaping up to be a gritty, action-packed epic.

So, the next time you’re debating what to watch, why not plan a double feature? Because if Ariana Grande has taught us anything, it’s that Wicked and Gladiator II might just be the most unexpected cinematic siblings of the year. Who knew?