Adam Sandler and Ariana Grande Open Up about Secrets of 'Wicked: For Good', Emotional Moments, and Their Love for 'The Waterboy'

Adam Sandler and Ariana Grande reveal surprising common ground between them. Sandler, known as a Gen X comedy legend with hits like Big Daddy, The Waterboy, and Happy Gilmore, later took bold dramatic turns, including his acclaimed role in Uncut Gems. Grande, a pop superstar with over 90 million records sold, has also shown her comedic chops, notably on Saturday Night Live. This year, both take on roles that challenge their usual personas.

Sandler stars in Noah Baumbachs Jay Kelly as Ron Sukenick, the devoted manager to George Clooneys titular character. Grande appears as Glinda in Wicked: For Good, the final installment of the musical adaptation, alongside Cynthia Erivos Elphaba.

They discuss the demands of intense scenes, memorable experiences on set, and even a shared love for their dogs imagined ability to speak. Grande also shares her admiration for Sandlers character Bobby Boucher in The Waterboy, which moved her deeply.

Grande recounts, Youre incredible in Jay Kelly. Your characters heartache made me cry multiple timesfull tears, not just holding back. Sandler responds appreciatively, noting the connection between his role and Grandes emotional response, especially in scenes with Laura Dern.

They reflect on The Waterboys enduring impact. Grande: All your comedic performances carry so much truth. Bobby Boucher is gut-wrenching. Sandler adds fondly, I love being that characterthe outsider longing for comfort and love. Its meaningful that it resonates with you.

On Jay Kelly, Sandler shares his admiration for George Clooney, describing an emotionally charged scene where their characters connect while watching a tribute. He notes the authenticity heightened by live orchestral music during filming.

Grande explains her approach to playing Glinda: I created emotional triggers for her so I didnt have to tap into my own life experiences, making her pain authentic without personal reference. Sandler praises her dedication, noting the intensity required to repeatedly capture wide-shot emotional moments.

Both discuss their preparation for roles, Sandlers acting studies at NYU, and the balance between comedy and drama. Grande shares the effort to retrain her voice and refine her acting technique for Wicked, emphasizing her growth over five years of preparation.

They compare experiences working with other actors. Grande praises Jeff Goldblums ability to switch between character and self, while Sandler shares lessons learned from George Clooney and Dustin Hoffman about staying immersed in character before scenes start.

On set challenges, Sandler and Grande recall physical comedy and minor injuries. Sandler mentions bruises from a staged fight with Ben Stiller in The Meyerowitz Stories, while Grande jokes about getting minor scrapes during action sequences in Focker-in-Law.

The conversation also touches on the magic of Wicked and the humanity in its villains, the practicalities of costume work for Grande, and the joy of watching young talent embrace challenging roles.

They end with a lighthearted note on their shared love for animals. Grande insists, They are talking; we just need to listen. Sandler adds, I felt it with my dog this morninghe was definitely trying to tell me something.

The discussion highlights the actors versatility, mutual admiration, and ability to connect emotionally with both audiences and each other, bridging comedy and drama in memorable performances.

Author: Ava Mitchell