Ethan Slater is about to move out of the pineapple under the sea.
Indeed, the Wicked star shared on the Oscars 2025 red carpet outside Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles that while he sees similarities between his character, Boq, and Spongebob, whom he played in the Broadway show from 2017 to 2018, they are about to diverge on the Yellow Brick Road.
“I love Sponge-Boq,” Ethan told Zuri Hall on the Live From E! Oscars 2025 red carpet. “They share sort of an optimism. They fight the jaded. There’s a lot that unites them but a lot that makes them different—which you’ll see in the second movie.” (See every star on the red carpet here.)
But while the 32-year-old was able to tease a bit of Wicked: For Good, which hits theaters in November, he otherwise remained tight-lipped.
As he emphasized to Zuri when pressed for a follow-up, “That is literally all I can say.”
Of course, Ethan—who began dating girlfriend Ariana Grande shortly after filming the Wicked franchise—was able to reminisce on filming the Oscar-nominated film, which has seen not only Ariana score a nomination for Best Supporting Actress, but also Cynthia Erivo for Best Actress, as well as eight additional nominations including Best Picture. (See every winner so far here.)
Indeed, Ethan noted that while the cast filmed one of the film’s biggest musical numbers, “Dancing Through Life,” which was led by costar Jonathan Bailey, the cast often celebrated after performing its difficult choreography.
“If we nailed it there would just be like, little group hugs,” he gushed. “I know that sounds really cheesy.”
But the Wicked cast—which also included Bowen Yang, Jeff Goldblum and Michelle Yeoh—had no trouble embracing their inner theater kid. And Ethan had to take a moment to gush on the energy that Bowen specifically brought to set.
“Bowen is sweet,” Ethan added, reacting to a compliment the Saturday Night Live star had previously shared for him. “I think of Bowen as the person who brings people together. He’s such a wonderful friend.”
Keep reading to see every star on the Oscars 2025 red carpet….
Ariana Grande
In Schiaparelli.
Zoe Saldaña
In custom Saint Laurent and Cartier jewelry.
Selena Gomez
In custom Ralph Lauren and Stuart Weitzman heels.
Cynthia Erivo
In custom Louis Vuitton and FoundRae jewelry.
Lily-Rose Depp
In Chanel.
Scarlett Johansson
In Thierry Mugler and De Beers jewelry.
Gal Gadot
In Prada and Tiffany & Co. jewelry.
Mikey Madison
In Christian Dior and Tiffany & Co. jewelry.
Andrew Garfield
In Gucci, David Yurman jewelry, and Jaeger-Le Coultre watch.
Halle Berry
In Christian Siriano and Pomellato Jewelry.
Rita Wilson
In Valentino.
Monica Barbaro
In custom Dior.
Penelope Cruz
In Chanel.
Samuel L. Jackson
In Giorgio Armani.
Da’Vine Joy Randolph
In custom Tamara Ralph Haute Couture and LAGOS jewelry.
Gayle King
Colman Domingo
In custom Valentino and Persol Ida sunglasses.
Sterling K. Brown
In Giorgio Armani, David Yurman jewelry, IWC Watches watch and Santoni shoes.
Ben Stiller
In Dolce and Gabbana.
Jeremy Strong
In custom Loro Piana.
Michelle Yeoh
In Balenciaga.
Kieran Culkin
In Zegna, Fred Leighton and Kwiat jewelry, and Omega watch.
Amy Poehler
In custom Rachel Gilbert and Marco Bicego jewelry.
Meg Ryan
In Ashi Studio and Tiffany and Co. jewelry.
Isabella Rossellini
In Dolce & Gabbana.
Emma Stone
In custom Louis Vuitton.
Miley Cyrus
In Alexander McQueen.
Doja Cat
In custom Balmain, Messika High Jewelry, and Amina Muaddi shoes.
Adrien Brody
In Giorgio Armani.
Margaret Qualley
In Chanel.
