Hannah Waddingham Sets Record Straight on Wicked Casting Rumors

Hannah Waddingham is putting to rest persistent speculation about her involvement in the Wicked film casting process.

The Emmy-winning actress, best known for her work on Ted Lasso, has roots as a musical theatre performer. She earned three Olivier Award nominations for Best Actress in a Musical before her breakthrough on screen.

When the Wicked movies entered their casting phase, fans circulated her name as a potential candidate for the role of Madame Morrible—a part that ultimately went to Michelle Yeoh. In a recent conversation with Variety, Waddingham addressed the swirling rumors directly.

"No, I didn't! This is the funniest thing. We can put this to bed once and for all," she said, confirming she never auditioned for the part.

The actress revealed that she's maintained a friendship with Cynthia Erivo for over a decade, having worked together in a West End musical production in London back in 2015. The two discussed the Wicked opportunity during its casting window, though by that point the role had already been secured.

"I was like, 'I think it's gone.' She was like, 'Dude, I think it's gone as well,'" Waddingham recalled. "I would have loved to have been seen for that, but it was a fait accompli, as they say."

Looking ahead, Waddingham expressed her continued interest in performing in movie musicals. She has a specific project in mind but isn't ready to share details. "There is, but I'm keeping it under my hat because I want to do it. Goddamn it!" she explained.

Meanwhile, a new season of Ted Lasso is on the horizon, with the trailer already available for fans to see.