Bowen Yang’s Role in Wicked Compensates for Not Being in Last Year’s $1.4 Billion Blockbuster

Bowen Yang takes center stage in the highly anticipated film adaptation of Wicked, captivating audiences with his dynamic performance despite his absence from another significant release last year. This adaptation of the Broadway sensation delves into the backstory of the Wicked Witch of the West and her intricate bond with Glinda the Good Witch during their time at Shiz University. In his role as Pfannee, one of Glinda’s admirers, Yang brilliantly captures the character’s exuberance and admiration for popularity.

Since breaking into the entertainment sphere in 2018, Bowen Yang has emerged as a significant figure in comedy and acting. His long-standing role on Saturday Night Live has solidified his status, highlighted by a historic Emmy nomination in 2021, making him the first SNL cast member to achieve this feat (as reported by NBC News). Yang’s comedic talent shines in Wicked, proving that his performance more than compensates for a missed opportunity in the previous year.

Yang’s Missed Opportunity to Join the Cast of Barbie

Approach for a Cameo in the Kensemble

Bowen Yang in Awkwafina is Nora from Queens

Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers in Watch What Happens Live

Since the premiere of Wicked in November 2024, it has drawn comparisons to the blockbuster success of Barbie, which thrilled audiences and critics alike in 2023. With Wicked striving to match Barbie‘s impressive $1.4 billion box office total, its ensemble cast echoes the star power found in Barbie, featuring talents like Simu Liu and Kingsley Ben-Adir. During the casting of Barbie, filmmakers expressed interest in Yang for a role within the Kensemble, the film’s playful portrayal of various interpretations of ‘Ken.’

According to casting directors Allison Jones and Lucy Bevan, Yang was approached for a cameo but had to decline the offer (as highlighted by Vanity Fair). The production took place in 2022, set against the backdrop of COVID-19 restrictions which required actors to remain in London for an extended period. Due to his commitment to the 47th season of SNL, Yang couldn’t participate in the film, effectively missing his chance to join the Kensemble in Barbie.

Ariana Grande’s Influence on Yang’s Role in Wicked

A Collaborative Effort for Success

Bowen Yang as Pfannee and Bronwyn James as Shenshen in Wicked — Image via Universal Pictures

Yang attributes his casting in Wicked largely to Ariana Grande, who advocated for him during the film’s development. In a guest appearance on The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon, Grande shared insights about her experiences on set and her interactions with Yang, calling him “phenomenal”as Pfannee (as mentioned by NBC). Their collaboration included a memorable segment on SNL titled “Charades With Mom.”

Grande took the initiative to communicate with Lorne Michaels, the executive producer of SNL, advocating for Yang to join the Wicked production. Yang disclosed to TODAY that there are guidelines prohibiting SNL cast members from working in films during the show’s run, yet Grande’s efforts played a pivotal role in convincing Michaels to make an exception for Yang (via Yahoo News). Ultimately, Yang and Michaels reached a compromise which allowed Yang to alternate between filming both SNL and Wicked (as noted by Pajiba).

Yang’s Performance as a Glimpse into a Potential Ken Role

Bridging Comedy and Character

Yang’s portrayal of Pfannee in Wicked showcases his vibrant comedic flair as he interacts with Shenshen (Bronwyn James). The duo often fawns over Glinda while poking fun at Elphaba, bringing light-hearted humor to the show. A particularly memorable scene has Pfannee and Shenshen convincing Glinda to gift Elphaba a black hat for the Ozfest Ball, leading to a delightful dance between Glinda and Elphaba. Yang beautifully encapsulates Pfannee’s excitement regarding Glinda’s name change, emphasizing his flamboyant and witty nature.

Bowen Yang’s dynamic performance in Wicked provides a glimpse of the type of Ken he could have embodied in Barbie. The Kensemble was undoubtedly a standout aspect of the film, appreciated for its array of diverse ‘Ken’ portrayals. Had Yang participated, his comedic prowess would have enriched the ongoing rivalry between Stereotypical Ken and Ken #2, especially during the viral performance of “I’m Just Ken.”Despite missing out on Barbie, Yang’s impressive showcase in Wicked more than compensates fans for the absence.

Sources: NBC, Yahoo News, Pajiba

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