In the theater world, few farewells are as poignant as leaving behind a cherished role or production. For Ethan Slater, this sentiment rings especially true as he prepares to say goodbye to the land of Oz and his character Boq in the film adaptation of “Wicked: For Good.” This journey marks the end of a significant chapter in the actor’s career, while simultaneously reigniting his passion for the stage with new ventures.
Embracing New Challenges Beyond Oz
After wrapping up filming for “Wicked: For Good,” Slater finds himself in a unique position — readying for a promotional whirlwind that spans from London to Japan. Yet, his sights are also set on a different creative avenue. During his respite from the world of witches and munchkins, he immersed himself in the workshop of a new play, “Marcel on the Train.” This Off-Broadway debut, set for early 2026, sees Slater co-writing and starring as the legendary mime Marcel Marceau, focusing on Marceau’s heroic efforts during World War II.
A Love for Theater
Slater’s theatrical roots run deep. “I love film,” he admits, acknowledging his Tony-nominated performance in the “SpongeBob SquarePants” musical. “But my first love was theater, and I hope I’m able to do at least one thing onstage a year.” The allure of the stage, with its immediate energy and connection, continues to captivate him, offering a necessary balance to his burgeoning screen career.
The Magic of “Wicked”
As the anticipation builds for “Wicked: For Good,” Slater reflects on the film’s complexity and depth. “Anyone who knows the Broadway show knows the first and second act are very different,” he shares. “Selfishly, I’m excited for people to see what happens with Boq and Nessa.” The intricate development of these characters delivers a fresh perspective that fans can anticipate with enthusiasm.
Musical Highlights and Audition Memories
Slater is particularly excited about the two new songs featured in the film. Crafted with the powerful voices of Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande in mind, these additions have left a memorable mark on him. And while he vividly recalls the pressures of his initial audition — “I was playing Glinda and Nessarose… with myself” — the experience paved the way to collaborating with esteemed director Jon Chu.
The “Wicked” chapter may be drawing to a close, but for Ethan Slater, it is merely the beginning of new stories and stages to conquer. His journey is a testament to the thrilling unpredictability of the arts, where familiar roads end, and new paths begin.
