Cynthia Erivo is making waves with her portrayal of Elphaba in the upcoming film adaptation of Wicked, marking a significant shift in the character’s representation. Unlike the iconic straight-haired depiction on Broadway, Erivo, the first Black actress in a full-time role as Elphaba, opted for a new textured hairstyle—micro-braids—that she feels connects deeply with her identity. “There’s a complete connection between me and her,” Erivo said, emphasizing the importance of not erasing her identity in this portrayal.
The transformation of Elphaba, from her unique hairstyle to more personalized characteristics like eye color and nails, was a thoughtful process that allowed Erivo to connect with the character on a personal level. With her casting, she hopes to inspire change across stages globally.
Erivo’s impressive background includes training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and acclaimed performances in multidisciplinary venues. Her role in the West End’s The Color Purple catapulted her into Broadway stardom, where she garnered a Tony Award for her performance. She later received Academy Award nominations for her role as Harriet Tubman in the film Harriet, bringing her one step closer to achieving an EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony).
In addition to Wicked, Erivo is finishing her second album and focusing on her production company, Edith’s Daughter. The vibrant chemistry between her and co-star Ariana Grande has blossomed into a sisterhood. Both performers are thrilled to explore deeper conversations and collaborations, building a strong bond on and off screen.
Erivo’s commitment to authenticity and vulnerability has led her to embrace her identity as both a queer woman and a devout Catholic. She believes that faith should encompass love and acceptance rather than restrictive rules. This mindset allows Erivo to navigate her experiences in Hollywood while advocating for broader representations of faith and identity.
In preparing for her role as Elphaba, Erivo underwent meticulous makeup application that could take up to four hours, showcasing her dedication to authentically embodying the character. She also performed her own stunts, showcasing the excitement and physicality of the role while highlighting her journey of self-discovery and growth through this experience.
Finally, Erivo emphasizes self-care as critical to her journey, recognizing the importance of surrounding herself with supportive individuals and engaging in activities that bring her joy. The artist’s evolution is a testament to her resilience, and as she steps into this iconic role, she hopes to amplify diverse narratives within Hollywood.
Overall, Cynthia Erivo’s unique interpretation of Elphaba not only redefines the character for modern audiences but opens doors for broader conversations about identity, representation, and the transformative power of storytelling in entertainment.