Ariana Grande has gracefully exited the enchanting realm of Oz, marking the end of a lengthy press cycle for her roles in "Wicked" and "Wicked: For Good." The multi-talented actress and singer is now embarking on fresh endeavors, promising fans of both her acting and musical pursuits an exciting new chapter.
The "We Can't Be Friends" singer, who rose to fame as a teenage actress on Nickelodeon's "Victorious" and its spin-off "Sam & Cat," has shared her vision for a new path in her career. In a November 2024 episode of Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers' podcast "Las Culturistas," Grande revealed, "I'll always make music, grace the stage, and indulge in pop music – I pinky promise. But I don't think the pace I've kept for the past decade is where I see myself in the next ten."
She further elaborated, "I cherish acting, musical theater, and comedy. Reconnecting with these facets of myself is healing. I love finding roles that allow me to use these parts of myself."
So, what does Grande have in store for her post-Glinda world? Here's a sneak peek:
### New Album on the Horizon
Despite her versatility as an artist, Grande – a three-time Grammy winner – is still releasing new music. In April, she announced her upcoming album "Petal," set to drop on July 31. The news came after she shared a video compilation on Instagram on April 18, featuring herself in the recording studio. In the video, she described what many fans now believe was a teaser for "Petal": "Something that is full of life and growing through the cracks of something cold and hard and challenging," the star said.
### An Upcoming Tour
Grande's new album will release in the midst of her tour for her seventh studio album "Eternal Sunshine." The tour kicks off in Oakland on June 6 and concludes in London in September. "Eternal Sunshine," which highlights themes like moving on following a breakup, dropped in March 2024. This tour will be Grande's first since her 2019 "Sweetener World Tour," culminating in a Netflix concert film, "Ariana Grande: Excuse Me, I Love You," in 2020.
### A Role in a New Ben Stiller Comedy
Grande, praised for her hilarious appearances on "Saturday Night Live," is taking on broad comedy with "Focker-in-Law," the latest film in the "Meet the Parents" franchise. She plays Olivia, a former FBI hostage negotiator and the future daughter-in-law of Ben Stiller's character Greg Focker. At a recent panel at CinemaCon 2026, Grande's co-star Robert De Niro – who plays Jack, Greg's father-in-law and a former CIA operative – said that Grande was "probably the single most talented screen partner I've ever been lucky enough to share the screen with." Stiller previously praised Grande in an interview on "The View" in October 2025, stating, "She's amazing. What a brilliant comedic actress."
With these exciting new projects on the horizon, Ariana Grande is poised to continue her journey as a multifaceted artist, leaving behind a trail of musical and cinematic brilliance.
### Theatrical Takeover: Emma's Dazzling Journey
Prepare to be mesmerized by Emma Watson's theatrical triumphs as she dives headfirst into an exhilarating new era of performances. The beloved actress, renowned for her enchanting roles in films like "Harry Potter" and "The Bling Ring," is about to hit the big screen and stages with a vengeance.
#### Nov. 25: A Horror Story Fit for a Princess
The first major film on Watson's agenda is a terrifying thriller that promises to shake audiences to their cores. Stepping into the realm of "American Horror Story," Watson joins the illustrious cast of the 13th season, reuniting with "Scream Queens" costar Billie Lourd and fellow "AHS" favorites like Evan Peters and Jessica Lange. Little is known about the season's theme, but with Watson's involvement, fans can expect a chilling ride through the darkest corners of the mind.
#### West End Revival: A Musical Masterpiece
Watson's love for the stage is no secret, and in 2027, she'll return to London's West End in a breathtaking revival of Stephen Sondheim's "Sunday in the Park With George." This time, she'll be joined by her "Wicked" co-star Jonathan Bailey, creating a magical duo that's sure to ignite the hearts of musical theater lovers. With tickets going on sale in spring 2026, theatergoers can anticipate a captivating experience more than a year before the show even begins.
#### Animated Adventure: A Musical Odyssey
If you thought Watson's voice talents in "The Bling Ring" were impressive, wait until you hear her in an upcoming animated film adaptation of Dr. Seuss's "Oh, the Places You'll Go!" The film, set to hit theaters in 2028, will reunite Watson with "Wicked" director Jon M. Chu and feature original songs by the talented duo behind "Dear Evan Hansen," Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. With Josh Gad also starring, this musical adventure promises to be a real treat for fans of both animation and theater.
Watson's journey from the wizarding world to the realms of horror and musical theater is nothing short of extraordinary. Get ready to witness her brilliance on both the big screen and the stage as she continues to dazzle audiences with her unparalleled talent.
