Ethan Slater is navigating the intense public attention surrounding both his professional and personal life as he embarks on an exciting new chapter in his career.

Making his much-anticipated big-screen debut, Slater portrays the lovesick Boq in Jon M. Chu’s adaptation of “Wicked,” sharing the screen with a star-studded cast including Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, and Marissa Bode. Last year, both Slater and Grande faced public scrutiny as rumors about their romantic involvement surfaced online, coinciding with their respective divorces from previous partners, adding layers to their personal narratives amidst professional milestones.

“My therapist, for sure,” Slater shares when asked who he turns to for support amid the overwhelming spotlight. “He’s been incredibly helpful.” This highlights the importance of mental health and having a strong support system in the entertainment industry, especially when personal and professional lines blur, creating additional pressure.

Until now, the 32-year-old Washington D.C. native was primarily celebrated by Broadway audiences for his remarkable, Tony-nominated performance in “SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical.” His transition to film marks a significant milestone in his career, expanding his reach and solidifying his presence in both theater and cinema.

“Ultimately, having a solid support system is vital in many aspects of life, whether it’s fame, career, or personal growth,” Slater reflects during a recent episode of the “Just for Variety” podcast. “I’m fortunate to be surrounded by amazing friends and a loving family who ground me and provide support. This journey is just beginning. With ‘Wicked’ premiering in just a few days, everything feels like it’s taking off. I’m truly grateful to have people in my life I can rely on, and I hope they can lean on me too.” This underscores the importance of community in navigating the challenges of fame and success.

He sought advice from Jeff Goldblum, who plays the Wizard, asking, “What should I expect? What’s coming next?” Slater recalls Goldblum’s humorous response: “Oh, I don’t know. I’ve never done anything this big before.” Slater found comfort in Goldblum’s candidness, noting, “There’s something outrageous about promoting a film and being part of a project that means so much to so many, and I don’t think it will ever feel completely normal. But it’s truly an exhilarating roller-coaster ride.” This exchange illustrates the unpredictability of the entertainment industry and the shared experiences among actors.

The following Q&A has been edited and condensed for clarity. You can listen to the entire interview on “Just for Variety” above or on your favorite podcast platform.

Are you planning to do a “Glicked” double feature?

I hope so! I’m trying to carve out time in my schedule to dedicate seven hours to watch it in IMAX for the complete experience. I would genuinely love to do that.

As this is your first major film, do you envision yourself sneaking into a theater to observe audience reactions from the back?

I have mixed feelings about that. On one hand, I’ve enjoyed attending premieres and experiencing the film with others. I’m incredibly proud to be part of this project, and witnessing it shared with the audience is a delightful experience. I love going to the movies, and I believe watching it in the theater will be something special. On the other hand, I feel a bit embarrassed about it.

It’s not like you and Ariana can just go out on a date night and sneak in unnoticed.

We’ll have to wear hats and masks! A friend of mine, Danny Skinner, with whom I did “SpongeBob,” and I have a history of watching every “SpongeBob” film together. We went to see ours when it premiered, and we couldn’t have looked more conspicuous. We really resembled SpongeBob and Patrick Star next to each other. It’s quite the unforgettable silhouette! We attempted to go incognito to a tour in Philadelphia, but everyone recognized us and shouted, “Oh, hey, Ethan! Hey, Danny!” We were baffled, thinking, “What do you mean?”

What can you tell me about the first time you saw “Wicked” on stage? How old were you?

I was in sixth grade, around 11 years old, when I experienced the original Broadway cast in the spring of 2004. I believe it was May, just before the Tony Awards, and I attended with my school on a field trip. While I don’t have the clearest memories from my childhood, I distinctly remember the emotions I felt and the bus ride back. The cast album must have been released, as we sang all the way home. It’s incredible to think that 20 years later, I’m working on the film adaptation of “Wicked.” It’s surreal to acknowledge that this experience sparked my love for theater and the music of Stephen Schwartz, which has profoundly influenced my life.

What was your experience like stepping onto the “Wicked” set for the first time?

On my first day in London, Jon took the time to sit down with me for two-and-a-half hours. He engaged in a deep conversation about what it means to be a Munchkin and the culture of Munchkin Land. He had some ideas but wanted me to share my own insights based on my research while respecting the creative instincts of an actor. It was an incredibly inspiring and collaborative discussion that I will always cherish.

Can you describe your audition experience?

I was eager to perform well during my audition but didn’t have anyone to read with, so I opted for a self-tape. I recorded myself performing all of Glinda’s lines and singing Nessa’s parts, effectively reading with myself off-camera. It ended up being a rather awkward experience, as I realized it was a lot of Ethan on one tape. Looking back, I found it amusing but also regrettable, thinking, “I can’t believe I’m submitting this.” Despite my doubts, I sent it in, knowing it was the deadline and hoping it would suffice.

Did you know Cynthia and Ariana before landing this role?

Not really. I had crossed paths with Cynthia briefly, but we hadn’t had the chance to connect or converse until this project came along.

What was your reaction to seeing yourself in full Boq hair and makeup for the first time?

Boq’s hairstyle is somewhat similar to mine, yet achieving the intended architectural look required a significant amount of extensions. It was quite a transformation that required a lot of maintenance.

Was it a wig?

No, it was my hair combined with extensions. I typically styled my hair in a top knot throughout the year, but if I didn’t, I had to style it meticulously to avoid an unkempt appearance. It was a unique way to live, but ultimately, it was a lot of fun.

Did you keep the extensions in when you weren’t filming?

Every six weeks, we needed to remove and reapply the extensions, which was a lengthy process taking about three days. It involved removing the extensions, allowing my scalp to readjust, some hair cutting, and then two days of reapplying. The first day usually took seven hours, followed by another three hours the next day, including yet another haircut once everything was back in place.

When do you plan to return to Broadway?

I’m not sure yet. I have no specific plans, but I hope to return soon. I truly enjoy Broadway and cherish the community, so we’ll see what opportunities arise.

What is your dream musical role?

I have a unique pitch in mind: I envision Tevye, the Dairy Man, being around 38 or nearing 40. So, when I reach my late 30s to 40, I would love to portray Tevye in “Fiddler on the Roof.”

That doesn’t have to be on Broadway. You could do a film adaptation, like Jon Chu’s “Fiddler on the Roof.”

Jon Chu’s “Fiddler on the Roof” — that’s an intriguing concept. I hadn’t thought about that.

I want a 10% cut!

You know what? If we can make this happen, 10% is yours without a doubt.

Watch my interview with Slater during the “Wicked” premiere in Los Angeles below to discover what he shares about childhood bullies who teased him for having pink hair.