Ethan Slater is showing nothing but admiration for the youngest member of the Wicked: For Good cast.
The actor, who plays Boq in the sequel, arrived at the New York City premiere on Nov. 17 full of praise for 8-year-old Scarlett Spears, who portrays the young version of Ariana Grande’s Glinda.
Looking over at Scarlett during an interview with E! News, Ethan didn’t hold back.
“You’re so unbelievably good in this movie,” he told her. “I can't wait for people to see it. It's really so sweet. How cute.” He also called her “the best” in the new film, making it clear she left a big impression on him.
Ethan went on to reflect on his own experience playing Boq and working under director Jon M. Chu alongside Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh and Jeff Goldblum.
One moment that stayed with him was seeing the first movie with an audience.
“Watching the first movie for the first time with an audience and feeling everybody experience what we had seen on set,” he said, explaining that Jon Chu managed to bring that same magic onto the screen.
“There was nothing like it to feel that sort of warmth and connection to everyone.”
This isn’t the first time Ethan has celebrated his castmates, especially Ariana, whom he began dating during production.
Speaking on The Jennifer Hudson Show last year, he couldn’t stop smiling as he described her performance.
“She’s so funny,” he said at the time. “She’s a comedy genius. I mean, she’s amazing in this film.” He added that he wishes fans could see the unused takes as well.
But he made it clear his admiration extends to everyone involved.
“Everyone’s amazing in this film,” he said, noting that both Cynthia and Ariana “bring depth to these roles.” For him, the closeness of film brings out something special in characters long loved on stage.
With the sequel now heading to theaters, Ethan’s excitement, especially for young Scarlett’s breakout moment, is more than evident.
