Ethan Slater on “Wicked,” Its New Songs, and the Film's LGBTQ+ Resonance

Ethan Slater, Tony-nominated actor and now one of the stars of the blockbuster film adaptation of “Wicked,” spoke with Variety about the complexities of bringing the beloved story to a new generation of moviegoers. Slater, who portrays Boq—a character long cherished by fans of the original Broadway show—emphasized the importance of honoring the story’s legacy while infusing it with fresh energy for contemporary audiences .

Slater described his process as “taking it all in” from the wealth of previous performances and then “playing it like you’d play any other character”—a delicate balance between homage and originality. “With something like ‘Wicked,’ where people love it so much, you don’t want to reinvent so far that you lose the thing that makes it wonderful,” he told Variety . This approach was echoed in a recent interview with FOX 7 Austin, where Slater shared that the film’s massive scale did not detract from the “intimate” atmosphere on set, crediting the ensemble cast and creative team for fostering a sense of community .

Slater’s performance in “Wicked” is not just a reprise of a well-known role, but part of a team effort that includes pop superstar Ariana Grande, who plays Glinda. The duo’s collaboration brought new energy to the production, particularly with the addition of original songs written specifically for the film adaptation. Slater expressed enthusiasm about these new musical numbers, explaining that they allowed the cast to “explore the characters’ journeys in deeper, more contemporary ways” .

The film’s director, Jon M. Chu, was noted for encouraging the cast to bring their authentic selves to every scene, making space for personal interpretation and identity within the confines of a beloved classic . This open, collaborative environment was particularly meaningful for Slater, who observed that the new songs “reflect the growth of the characters and the world we live in now” .

“Wicked” has long resonated with LGBTQ+ audiences, both for its subtextual themes and its explicit messages about difference, acceptance, and community. Slater acknowledged this history, noting that Boq’s quest for belonging and acceptance mirrors the real-life experiences of many in the LGBTQ+ community . “He’s looking for friendship and community, and he maybe stumbles and trips along the way to finding it, but I love his good intention and his heart,” Slater told East Idaho News .

Slater further reflected on how the film’s narrative of chosen family and self-acceptance is especially poignant in current times. “I think that’s such a strong message and a theme, especially in the times that we’re living in now,” he said, emphasizing the importance of stories that validate people’s search for identity and support systems outside traditional norms . For many LGBTQ+ viewers, “Wicked”’s focus on friendship, loyalty, and the courage to be oneself provides crucial representation and affirmation .

The “Wicked” film also stands out for its commitment to inclusive casting and representation. Alongside Slater and Grande, the ensemble features a diverse group of actors, reflecting the production’s dedication to authenticity and visibility . Director Jon M. Chu’s leadership was cited repeatedly by cast members as fostering an environment where everyone, regardless of background or identity, felt valued and free to contribute .

Slater’s Broadway background, including his Tony-nominated turn in “SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical,” helped him navigate the transition to big-screen musicals, and he has used his platform to advocate for greater LGBTQ+ visibility in the performing arts . “My advice for people who want to act is to find your community, keep showing up, and always be your authentic self,” Slater said in a recent interview, signaling the importance of representation both on and off screen .

As “Wicked” soars at the box office and garners critical acclaim, Slater’s reflections highlight how the film’s enduring themes and its reinvention for today’s audiences serve both as entertainment and as a beacon for LGBTQ+ representation. With new songs, a fresh cast, and a director committed to inclusive storytelling, “Wicked” continues to offer hope and inspiration to those who, like Boq, are seeking a place to belong .

For Slater, the journey has been both personal and communal. “It’s been really bizarre and amazing,” he said of seeing the film’s impact on audiences. As “Wicked” enters a new era, its message remains clear: everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and loved—on stage, on screen, and in the world beyond .