Jeff Goldblum has never been shy about embracing unexpected transformations, but his latest lifestyle change might be one of his most surprising yet. The 73-year-old actor revealed that working on the two-part Wicked film series didn’t just reshape his artistic journey—it also reshaped his dinner plate.

In a recent interview on This Morning, Goldblum shared that the themes explored in the film hit him harder than he anticipated. What began as a fantasy musical steeped in magic and moral questions soon became a personal reckoning with real-world issues, especially the mistreatment of animals.

According to the actor, conversations on set—particularly with director Jon M. Chu—sparked a deep reflection he could no longer ignore.
“Working with Jon Chu has been amazing,” Goldblum said. “This film changed me. After discussing animal cruelty while filming, I stopped eating meat and poultry.”

Goldblum explained that the movie’s narrative, which gives voice to oppressed animals within the land of Oz, made him rethink his relationship with food. “We need the world to work for everybody on Earth—and every creature, too,” he added.

A Magical Role With a Real-World Impact

Goldblum portrays the Wizard of Oz, a character whose influence looms over both installments of the Wicked saga. The first film, which premiered last year to glowing reviews and 10 Oscar nominations, laid the foundation for its sequel, Wicked: For Good, arriving in cinemas on 21 November.

The sequel explores a darker, more politically charged chapter. Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba (The Wicked Witch of the West) emerges as an outlaw fighting for the rights of animals, while Ariana Grande’s Glinda becomes the polished face of public virtue. Goldblum’s Wizard, in contrast, manipulates events from behind the curtain—his cold authority echoing the very systems of oppression the film seeks to challenge.

This heightened focus on injustice, particularly toward animals, left a strong impression on the cast.

A Growing List of Plant-Based Stars

While Goldblum’s shift to a pescatarian lifestyle is new, he is far from the only star influenced by their work. Both Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande have adhered to vegan lifestyles for over a decade. Hollywood history is filled with similar stories of ethical epiphanies sparked on film sets.

Actor James Cromwell famously embraced veganism during production of the 1995 classic Babe after realizing the animals he worked with in the morning appeared on the lunch table hours later. Joaquin Phoenix, Natalie Portman, Jessica Chastain, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, and Sadie Sink are among the many actors who have publicly championed plant-based living.

Phoenix even used his 2020 Oscar acceptance speech to call for the end of dairy farming in a powerful moment that became one of the night’s most talked-about messages.

Hollywood’s Plant-Powered Momentum

Hollywood has seen a steady rise in celebrities advocating for vegetarian and vegan lifestyles—not as trends, but as conscious decisions driven by environmental, ethical, and health concerns. With Goldblum now joining this group, his revelation adds yet another chapter to the growing connection between storytelling and personal transformation.

As the world anticipates the release of Wicked: For Good, fans won’t just be watching the continuation of an iconic story—they’ll also be witnessing the ripple effects of its themes shaping the lives of those who brought it to life.

FAQ

1. Why did Jeff Goldblum stop eating meat?
He said working on Wicked and discussing animal cruelty on set influenced him to give up meat and poultry.

2. Is Jeff Goldblum fully vegan?
No. He identifies as pescatarian, meaning he still includes fish in his diet.

3. What role does Goldblum play in the Wicked films?
He portrays the Wizard of Oz in both installments.

4. When does Wicked: For Good premiere?
The second film releases on 21 November.

5. Which other Wicked stars follow plant-based diets?
Both Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo have been vegan since 2013.