Ethan Slater movies and tv shows have become a major focus for fans as the Broadway standout continues to expand his acting career across film and television. Known initially for his Tony-nominated role as SpongeBob SquarePants on Broadway, Slater has since evolved into a multi-platform performer. As of 2025, he is best known for his role in the upcoming Wicked films while continuing to appear in select stage and screen projects that highlight his musical and acting range.
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From Broadway to the Screen
Ethan Slater was born on June 2, 1992, in Washington, D.C., and raised in Maryland. After graduating from Vassar College, he began performing in off-Broadway and regional theater productions. His big break came in 2016 when he was cast as the lead in SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical, which officially opened in December 2017.
The performance earned him a Tony Award nomination for Best Actor in a Musical and widespread critical acclaim. His boundless energy, comic timing, and vocal control established him as one of Broadway’s most versatile young performers.
Following his theater success, Slater’s move into film and television began taking shape, steadily building toward major Hollywood projects by the mid-2020s.
Ethan Slater’s Film Career
While Ethan Slater’s filmography is still growing, his entry into movies has already made a lasting impact. His ability to combine acting, singing, and expressive movement has positioned him perfectly for roles in musical films and character-driven dramas.
Below is an updated look at his key movie roles as of 2025:
1. Wicked (Part One – Upcoming in 2026)
- Role: Boq
- Director: Jon M. Chu
- Co-stars: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh
- Studio: Universal Pictures
- Status: Completed; scheduled for release in November 2026
This two-part film adaptation of the Tony Award-winning musical Wicked marks Ethan Slater’s biggest on-screen role to date. He portrays Boq, a Munchkin who becomes entangled in the lives of Glinda (Ariana Grande) and Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo).
Filming began in London in 2022 and concluded in 2024 after a brief delay caused by the 2023 actors’ strike. Slater’s performance in early preview footage has been praised for capturing both comedic warmth and emotional depth, traits that have defined his career.
The movie’s first trailer, released in late 2024, quickly went viral, sparking excitement among fans of both the stage show and its new film adaptation.
2. Wicked (Part Two – Filming in 2025)
- Role: Boq
- Release Date: Planned for November 2027
Production for the second installment of Wicked resumed in early 2025 after post-production work on Part One wrapped. While details remain under wraps, Slater has been spotted on set in the U.K., continuing to work closely with the main cast.
His dual performance across both films cements his transition from Broadway star to full-fledged film actor.
3. The Man Who Came to Dinner (In Development)
- Genre: Comedy/Drama (Film Adaptation)
- Status: Pre-production discussions reported in 2025
Industry sources confirm that Slater has been attached to a developing modern adaptation of The Man Who Came to Dinner, a classic stage comedy. The project is expected to begin production in 2026, with Slater rumored to play a supporting comedic role, leveraging his stage background.
While official casting announcements have not been made, the project would continue his trajectory toward high-profile comedic and musical screen performances.
Ethan Slater’s Television Career
Ethan Slater’s television work began with small appearances that showcased his acting versatility. His early projects combined his theater sensibility with character-driven storytelling.
1. Murphy Brown (2018)
- Role: Young Miles Silverberg (Guest Role)
- Network: CBS
Slater appeared in the 2018 reboot of Murphy Brown, playing a younger version of one of the main characters. The appearance marked his on-screen debut and introduced him to network television audiences.
2. Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (2021)
- Role: Evan (Guest Appearance)
- Network: NBC
Slater’s guest appearance on Law & Order: SVU offered him the opportunity to demonstrate dramatic range. His portrayal of a conflicted young man caught in a legal case earned positive feedback from viewers and critics, showing that he could handle intense, non-musical material.
3. Fosse/Verdon (2019)
- Role: Ensemble Cast Member
- Network: FX
This acclaimed miniseries starring Sam Rockwell and Michelle Williams featured Slater in an ensemble role. His background in dance and performance fit perfectly within the show’s recreation of Broadway’s golden age.
4. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2023)
- Role: Guest Role (Final Season)
- Network: Prime Video
In 2023, Slater appeared in a small guest role in the final season of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Though brief, his performance stood out in a series celebrated for its rich depiction of New York’s entertainment scene.
5. Original Streaming Series (2025 – Title Forthcoming)
- Platform: Major U.S. Streaming Network
- Status: Completed Filming in Summer 2025
As of November 2025, Ethan Slater has finished filming a new limited comedy-drama series slated for release in early 2026. The project, shot primarily in New York City, features him as a struggling musician navigating fame and friendship. It represents his first television role as a series regular and marks another milestone in his expanding screen career.
Stage-to-Screen Performer
Ethan Slater’s success across both stage and screen is driven by his ability to merge musical and dramatic performance. His years on Broadway trained him for the demands of movie musicals like Wicked, where acting, singing, and movement combine seamlessly.
In interviews, Slater has described his transition from theater to film as “a learning experience that builds on everything I love about performing.” Fans who have followed his stage work note that his screen performances carry the same emotional honesty and enthusiasm that defined his stage presence.
Other Screen Credits and Appearances
Beyond film and television roles, Slater has contributed to numerous projects tied to his musical background:
- Television Specials: Featured performer in Broadway-themed charity events and televised concerts between 2018 and 2022.
- Voice Acting: Provided voice work for animated shorts and digital campaigns, highlighting his versatility as a performer.
- Music Videos: Appeared in select promotional videos tied to Broadway and streaming releases, connecting his theater and on-screen audiences.
His on-camera growth reflects the same discipline and charm that helped him command live theater audiences.
Ethan Slater’s On-Screen Style
What makes Slater distinctive among rising screen actors is his stage-trained intensity combined with an approachable on-screen warmth. He brings physicality to every role, using expressive gestures and vocal nuance to create layered characters.
Directors have praised his collaborative approach, particularly his attention to detail during musical scenes and dialogue-driven moments. In Wicked, co-stars describe him as the “emotional glue” of the supporting cast—a performer who balances humor, sincerity, and precision.
Collaborations and Co-Stars
Throughout his career, Slater has worked with several major figures in entertainment:
- Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo (Wicked) – leading co-stars in the musical films.
- Jon M. Chu (Wicked Director) – known for Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights, guiding Slater’s transition to film.
- Sam Rockwell and Michelle Williams (Fosse/Verdon) – collaborators from his early TV experience.
- Julius Anthony Rubio and Michael R. Jackson – colleagues from the Broadway scene who continue to influence his artistic direction.
These collaborations demonstrate Slater’s ability to move seamlessly between theater, television, and cinematic environments.
Awards and Recognition
While much of Slater’s early recognition came from his Broadway work, his film and TV accomplishments are now earning similar acclaim.
Major Career Highlights:
- Tony Award Nominee (2018) – SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical
- Drama Desk Award Winner (2018) – Outstanding Actor in a Musical
- Outer Critics Circle Award Winner (2018)
- Featured among Variety’s 2024 Actors to Watch list for his performance in Wicked
His growing list of honors reflects both critical respect and audience admiration.
The Road Ahead
With Wicked: Part One set for release in late 2026 and a new streaming series debuting earlier that year, Ethan Slater’s screen career is poised for major expansion. His ability to transition fluidly from stage musicals to dramatic and comedic television roles signals a long future in entertainment.
In interviews, he has expressed continued passion for theater, noting he plans to return to Broadway between film projects. However, his upcoming screen roles will likely introduce him to an even wider global audience.
Fans and critics alike view him as one of the few modern performers capable of bridging the gap between classic musical theater and contemporary screen storytelling.
Final Thoughts
Ethan Slater’s growing list of movies and television shows showcases the evolution of a performer who has mastered every stage he’s stepped onto. From Broadway acclaim to Hollywood anticipation, his career reflects talent, dedication, and adaptability. As 2025 closes, audiences eagerly await his next chapter—one that promises to blend heart, humor, and unforgettable performance on both big and small screens.
Which Ethan Slater project are you most excited to see in 2026? Share your thoughts below and stay connected for updates.