When you think of Jeff Goldblum, it’s impossible not to picture the effortlessly charismatic, slightly eccentric screen presence that has become his trademark. From his unforgettable role as Dr. Ian Malcolm in Jurassic Park to his turn as the quirky scientist in The Fly, Goldblum has firmly entrenched himself as one of Hollywood’s most beloved and unique actors.

As a man who has not only navigated Hollywood fame but the theatre, Goldblum knows all about the secrets that happen behind the curtain – making him the perfect choice to play the most famous man behind the curtain, the Wizard of Oz. John M. Chu’s highly anticipated, fantastically imagined, star-studded adaptation of the musical Wicked stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Granda as Glinda, the two enemies-turned-friends, who meet in school and become the most famous witches of Oz.

Cynthia Erivo is Elphaba and Ariana Grande is Glinda in WICKED

But before that, they journey to see the Wizard, and discover that all is not as it seems. Pittsburgh native Goldblum, now 72, has long been a lover of theatre – and indeed, one of his most acclaimed onstage performances resulted in him first meeting Wicked co-star Ariana Grande – though he admits he needed some reminding.

“I’ve been lucky enough to stay active in theatre throughout the decades,” he notes.

“I went back to New York and did some things – The Pillowman, in fact, was well-received at the Booth Theatre. I mention it because halfway through my filming on Wicked, Ariana Grande said to me, ‘You know, we met before. I was 11 or 12, and I went and saw you after you did The Pillowman. I loved it and we took a picture at the stage door.’ And she showed me the picture – isn’t that something?”

Goldblum is a music lover with his own band, Jeff Goldblum & The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra, who have an album coming out soon. His love of music has always extended to musicals, and he saw Wicked on Broadway with its original cast.

“I’ve loved musicals and theatre in general over the years and seen many things,” he enthuses. “When they work, it can grab me in a deeper and stronger way than anything. I saw Wicked when it came out – I was in New York and I saw Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth live. I won’t go into it what an emotional wreck I was, but jeez, I loved that show. When Idina Menzel sang ‘Defying Gravity’ at the end of Act One, that got me. There’s something about that show.”

Goldblum believes the show’s lasting resonance lies with the struggle of Elphaba, who is ostracised and bullied for being green and having magical powers – and for the friendship at the heart of the show, which teaches Elphaba to believe in herself and have courage in her convictions.

“Who amongst us doesn’t know the pain of being excluded for some stupid reason or reasons?” says Goldblum. “I myself am not unfamiliar with that. But the friendship between these two girls who become women, the great power that is unleashed in them – which in the beginning starts only as potential and is later realised – is a very moving and beautiful thing.

“The big thrill of being on Earth, this lucky thing for all of us, is that we’re connected to each other. Your relationship with other people, and the quality of those relationships, can transform your life and finally make it the gift that it is. The show explores that premise and has moved me so powerfully.”

Ariana Grande as Glinda

Stars Erivo and Grande are already receiving acclaim for their lead performances, and Goldblum says he was blown away by both multi-talented actresses, as well as the supporting cast, which includes Jonathan Bailey and Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh.

“Oh, I could go on and on about Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo,” he gushes. “And don’t even get me started on the great Jonathan Bailey. Oh my golly. Cynthia Erivo, if you haven’t seen everything that she’s done – what a knockout. Tears spring from my eyes when she sings. She’s amazing beyond words, powerful and fantastic. And Ariana Grande is just great; the biggest pop star in the world.

“The most big-hearted, brilliant, artful, gifted powerhouse. We’ve had a wonderful time. It was great to be with the two of them on a set, and Michelle Yeoh in some of the same scenes. I would find myself backstage, getting ready to do a shot with the three of them and you can’t get luckier than that. It was like looking up at the sky and seeing the Big Dipper or Orion’s Belt – it leaves you speechless, breathless, and just grateful and humbled.”

Cynthia Erivo (as Elphaba), Director Jon M. Chu, and Ariana Granda (as Glinda) on the set of WICKED

Early footage has showcased Wicked’s incredible production design, with large, fantastical sets and beautifully designed costumes, and Goldblum can’t wait to see Jon M. Chu’s vision come together.

“I just love this material and I think it’s going to be great,” he says. “Jon M. Chu is as good as they’ve ever come. I believe in creating cinema, making something that will knock your socks off, and he knows how to do that. I’m no salesman, but I’ll tell you, it’s going to be a big cinematic experience.”

Wicked is in cinemas now.