During a SAG-AFTRA Foundation talk this weekend, Ariana Grande opened up about her and Cynthia Erivo's contract process for Wicked. She shared how they fully supported each other throughout, comparing contracts to ensure alignment before taking on their respective roles as Glinda and Elphaba.

Supporting Each Other Through Contracts

When Ariana Grande received her contract, she immediately reached out to Cynthia Erivo. As she shared, "I called [Erivo], and was like, ‘Hey let’s go through this thing. Let’s go beat by beat through this together and make sure we are aligned in what we need.’” This shows their commitment to having each other's backs. If Erivo needed something, they needed it together. Grande emphasized that their problems became one another's, highlighting their strong bond.In an interview with Deadline, Cynthia Erivo also spoke about their relationship during filming. They would constantly check in with each other, not wanting to be selfish. Erivo explained, "We’re always like, ‘What’s the ground you need?’ ‘What feeling do you need?’ We are looking in each other’s eyes to see, ‘What does she need?’” This deep honesty extended beyond work, as they are friends and communicate daily. Whether it's seeking opinions or sharing thoughts, they are always in conversation, striving to be aligned.Erivo added that when they find alignment and are in the same space, their voices work together. For example, in the scene for 'Popular', it becomes funny and alive because they are there to provide that. This shows how their mutual support and alignment enhance the performance.The two stars have become quite close since starring in the Jon M. Chu-helmed production. Part one of Wicked opened this month, and the second half will be released next year. Their journey together in this production is a testament to the power of teamwork and mutual support.

The Witcher franchise has always been a source of excitement and anticipation among gamers. With the recent reveal of The Witcher 4, fans are on the edge of their seats, eager to dive into the next chapter of this epic saga. CD Projekt RED has set the stage with a stunning Unreal Engine 5 cinematic trailer, showcasing a new world and a new protagonist in Ciri as she begins her journey as a monster hunter.

Unleash the Power of Ciri in The Witcher 4

The Witcher 4: A New Open-World RPG

CD Projekt RED is yet to confirm any launch details for its new open-world RPG. There's no Witcher 4 release date yet, and no word on which platforms it will land on. Given that it only entered its "full-scale production phase" earlier this year, it seems unlikely to arrive in 2025 or 2026. We'll have to wait a while for this highly anticipated game.The Witcher 4 gameplay is familiar to those who played The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, with some notable differences. You'll be returning to the Continent, but this time Ciri takes the lead. The studio is aiming for a more brutal dark-fantasy world as the old order crumbles. It will be a single-player RPG set in an open-world, giving you more scope to make choices and face the consequences.Ciri is a unique character, more open to the world around her. In this new adventure, she'll not only battle ancient nightmares but also deal with the evil lurking in people. As a witcher, she wields combat and alchemy skills, and now with her ability to use magic, she has even more options in combat.

The Witcher 4 Combat: A Battle of Wits and Skills

In The Witcher 4, you control Ciri, a character just starting on the witcher's path. This is reflected in combat encounters. Ciri may not always have the upper hand initially, but she has the ability to gain it by striking at the right moment. The first trailer gives a glimpse of how she seamlessly integrates her magic abilities into combat, adding more range and options while also exposing her to vulnerabilities. This will be at the heart of the combat experience.

The Witcher 4 Story: Ciri's Journey Begins

CD Projekt RED has only revealed a glimpse of The Witcher 4 story so far. You'll take control of Ciri as she begins her monster-slaying career. "We're kicking off a brand new Witcher saga, with Ciri at the heart of the story," says Sebastian Kalemba. Ciri's distinctiveness from Geralt opens up new storytelling possibilities. She's open, curious, and drawn to people, which leads to new relationships and emotional depths in the game.In the first trailer, we see Ciri completing a witcher's contract near Stromford, battling both ancient evils and human evil. Her decisions have disastrous consequences, showing the moral ambiguity of the world.

The Witcher 4 Main Character: Ciri - A Badass Successor

Ciri is the main character of The Witcher 4. After playing a pivotal role in The Witcher 3, it's time for her to leave her mark. Story director Tomasz Marchewka explains that she's similar to Geralt in some ways but also has a grim, rebellious side. She's both familiar and fresh, a worthy successor.Executive producer Malgorzata Mitrega adds that Ciri always was the natural choice to be the protagonist. "She's a very complex character, and there is so much to be told about her."

The Witcher 4 Open World: A Darker and More Dangerous Place

The Witcher 4 will be a single-player open-world RPG, aiming to be the "most immersive and ambitious" yet. With a new protagonist comes a new open-world to explore. It will be a darker and more unpredictable world than the one we experienced with Geralt. Survival depends not only on combat skills but also on the connections you make with others.

The Witcher 4 Choice and Consequences: A Battle Against Destiny

Narrative director Philipp Weber expands on the darker open-world concept. The world of The Witcher 4 is full of moral ambiguity, and choices have consequences. Ciri's story is a battle against destiny, and her actions and the people she meets will shape her path and who she becomes.

The Witcher 4 Engine: Unreal Engine 5 Power

CD Projekt RED is using Unreal Engine 5 to develop The Witcher 4. The debut trailer, although not rendered in real-time, gives a glimpse of the final product's potential. It showcases the stunning visuals and immersive world that the engine can create.Looking for something to play while waiting? Check out one of the best games like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt.