Cynthia Erivo talks about “Wicked” success, and why green symbolizes inclusion

• Erivo shares her journey with co-star Ariana Grande, highlighting their strong bond and trust in each other.
• Erivo defended Grande against online harassment, highlighting the dangers of hiding harmful words online.
• He infused Elphaba with layers of humanity and emotion, drawing from her own experiences as a Black woman.

Cynthia Erivo, star of the critically acclaimed *Wicked*, has much to celebrate as the movie continues to shatter box office records. On Friday, she shared insights into her journey, her relationship with co-star Ariana Grande, and her approach to portraying Elphaba. Speaking at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Erivo described the film’s reception as a “really wonderful experience to watch.”

Erivo opened up about her friendship with Ariana Grande, who plays Glinda in the movie. The two actors didn’t meet until after their casting but quickly formed a strong connection.

“We sort of decided between each other that we were going to make sure we protected each other, that we were kind to one another, that we were going to work with each other in honesty,” Erivo said.

This trust allowed them to perform their roles authentically. She said they gave each other the space, kindness, and generosity needed to portray these roles, adding that their voices harmonized beautifully. She described singing together as an intimate experience that required a deep understanding of each other’s work.

Erivo also defended Grande against online harassment, calling cyberbullying a dangerous act. She pointed out how easy it is to hide behind a computer and type harmful words about someone you don’t know. She encouraged people to counter negativity by spreading positivity.

As Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, Erivo embraced the character’s complexity. She described the beautiful challenge of humanizing her. Erivo also noted that green, her character’s iconic color, resonates deeply with her, symbolizing every person who feels marginalized.

Drawing from her own experiences as a Black woman, Erivo infused Elphaba with layers of humanity and emotion. She emphasized the importance of adding this layer, crediting her director for supporting her storytelling vision.

Erivo also acknowledged the challenges of adapting the beloved stage musical for the screen. She noted that sometimes, adaptations don’t work as well when transitioning from stage to screen.

However, she felt confident in the project from the start. She knew how special it was and had been a fan from the beginning. Seeing it translated into film has been a wonderful experience for her.

While the success of “Wicked” has been overwhelming, Erivo finds the lasting friendships made on set to be the most rewarding aspect. “The creative team became a real family,” she said.

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