Ariana Grande’s latest career moves are proving what Broadway fans have known all along — she’s far more than just another pop star trying her hand at acting. The Grammy winner’s newly announced role in Warner Bros.’ animated take on “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” feels less like a calculated career pivot and more like a natural evolution for an artist who’s always had theater in her DNA.
Fresh off her buzzed-about turn as Glinda in “Wicked” (and honestly, who wasn’t curious about how she’d tackle those iconic numbers?), Grande’s diving headfirst into the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss. She’ll be sharing the spotlight with Frozen’s Josh Gad — a pairing that practically screams box office magic.
The timing couldn’t be more perfect. While some pop stars struggle to break free from their musical personas, Grande’s been quietly building a remarkably diverse portfolio. During a candid moment on the Las Culturistas podcast, she let slip something that longtime fans have suspected: “I think I love acting, I love musical theater.” There’s something refreshingly genuine about how she’s reconnecting with her theatrical roots — after all, this is the same performer who made her Broadway debut in “13” before becoming a global pop phenomenon.
The Dr. Seuss project seems to have struck a particularly personal chord. Under the guidance of “Wicked” director Jon M. Chu and co-director Jill Culton, Grande’s enthusiasm practically bubbled over in her Instagram announcement. Her genuine excitement about the material — from the script to the creative team — suggests this isn’t just another paycheck gig.
But wait, there’s more (as they say in those late-night infomercials). In what might be her most eyebrow-raising move yet, Grande’s set to join the “Meet the Parents” franchise for its fourth installment. Ben Stiller’s recent comments on Today about her comedic chops have industry insiders buzzing. “She’s so talented… she’s gonna be really, really funny and the whole engine of the new movie,” he gushed — and let’s face it, Stiller knows a thing or two about comedy.
The “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” adaptation is shaping up to be something special. With Dear Evan Hansen’s Benj Pasek and Justin Paul handling the music (seriously, could this creative team get any better?), the 2028 release promises to join the ranks of beloved Dr. Seuss adaptations like “Horton Hears a Who!” and “The Lorax.”
For those wondering if this means Grande’s abandoning her pop roots — don’t worry. She’s made it crystal clear that music remains a core part of her identity. “I’m always going to make music… I pinky promise,” she assured fans, and there’s something endearing about a superstar using playground-style promises to connect with her audience.
What’s particularly fascinating about Grande’s current career trajectory is how effortlessly she seems to be threading the needle between different entertainment worlds. From belting out pop hits to tackling beloved musical theater roles, and now diving into both animated features and mainstream comedy — she’s crafting the kind of multi-dimensional career that most performers only dream about.
In an industry that often tries to put artists in neat little boxes, Grande’s proving that sometimes the most interesting path is the one that doesn’t fit any predetermined mold. And honestly? It’s working pretty brilliantly for her.
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