Elphaba, the green witch who we’d only known as the Wicked Witch of the West, is at the heart of the musical Wicked. As you can imagine, with the long-running stage play’s success, there were a number of stars who wanted the coveted role; however, it was ultimately earned by British actor Cynthia Erivo. If you’re tempted to ask, “Cynthia who?” you may not be alone. However, that should not fool you into believing she’s new to the screen — big or small.
The book-turned-Broadway-musical Wicked has become a smash hit at the box office. It is now in the top four highest grossing musicals that have gone from the stage to the screen, amongst such ticket-selling powerhouses as Mamma Mia, Les Miserables, and Grease. The reason? Well, if you’ve ever seen the original The Wizard of Oz (or even its Black reimagining, The Wiz), you walked away with a set of beliefs about which characters belonged in the light and which belonged to the dark. Based on the 1995 novel by Gregory Maguire, Wicked challenges those beliefs and makes you question how two witches came to be the symbols of good and evil in the mystical, magical land of Oz.
Cynthia Erivo first appeared on television in the series Chewing Gum in 2015. However, it was her breakthrough performance as Celie in the Broadway rendition of The Color Purple that same year that really put her on the map. She held her own alongside Jennifer Hudson and Danielle Brooks, earning herself a Tony, Grammy, and Emmy for her spellbinding performance. With one role, she’s only an Oscar away from the enviable status of EGOT. But where did she come from?
Born in London to Nigerian parents, Erivo grew up in a home where hard work and dreaming big weren’t just values — they were necessities. Her mother, a nurse, nurtured her creativity and encouraged her to aim high, a foundation that would carry Cynthia Erivo far beyond their South London neighborhood. She went on to study at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, where her raw talent and undeniable presence quickly set her apart. From the start, it was clear she wasn’t just a performer: she was a force, destined to captivate audiences and redefine what it means to take up space on the stage.
After The Color Purple, Cynthia Erivo went on to star in films such as Widows, Bad Times at the El Royale, and Needle in a Timestack. Her transition into film brought even greater acclaim, but not without challenges. When she was cast as Harriet Tubman in Harriet, the announcement was met with both celebration and critique. While many were excited to see such a talented actress portray one of the most revered figures in Black American history, others raised concerns.
Some critics pointed to past comments Erivo had made, which were perceived as dismissive of Black Americans, questioning whether she could authentically embody Harriet’s legacy. Others took issue with an actor from outside the United States being chosen to portray such a pivotal American figure, given the deep cultural and historical significance of the role.
Despite the controversy, Erivo approached the part with respect and dedication, delivering a performance that earned her two Oscar nominations — one for Best Actress and another for co-writing the song “Stand Up.” It was a reminder of her talent and range, though the conversations surrounding the casting decision highlighted the complex dynamics of representation and storytelling.
Erivo’s casting as Elphaba has also been met with a fair share of controversy. Though she is not the first Black woman to portray the iconic green witch, her selection has sparked conversations about representation and what it means to reimagine beloved characters in more inclusive ways. While many celebrated the casting as a long-overdue milestone, some fans of the original musical were less welcoming, questioning whether the role should have gone to a performer who looked more like the traditional depictions of Elphaba.
The backlash even extended to the film’s promotional materials. After the initial teaser poster was released, showcasing Erivo’s green silhouette, the artwork was quietly revised, replacing the singular image with a dual poster featuring both Elphaba and Glinda (played by pop singer Ariana Grande). For critics, it seemed like an attempt to balance the visual narrative and appease skeptics. But for many of Erivo’s supporters, it only underscored the significance of her casting — proof that even in the fantastical Land of Oz, old biases still hold strong.
Ignoring the noise, Erivo has taken on the role with characteristic grace, proving that she belongs in this story just as much as any other iteration of the character. Her performance is nothing short of magical, a dazzling display of artistry that leaves audiences holding their breath during her scenes. Her voice, powerful and sublime, turns Defying Gravity into a tear-inducing masterpiece that makes you want to leap to your feet in applause. Erivo doesn’t just sing the song — she owns it, redefining it as the emotional core of Elphaba’s journey.
Erivo is the gold standard, shining brightly through the layers of green makeup, bringing Elphaba to life like never before. As she puts her own stamp on Elphaba, she invites audiences to rethink what makes someone wicked — and who decides.
