Though garnering widespread acclaim for her turn in the role, Wickedstar Cynthia Erivo has responded to comments that she was a "woke hire" for the hit musical. Based on Gregory Maguire's Wizard of Oz prequel novel and the Broadway musical, the movie follows Elphaba (the future Wicked Witch of the West) and Glinda (played by Ariana Grande-Butera), who are roommates at Shiz University, and later become friends. Erivo will return as Elphaba in the upcoming sequel Wicked: For Good, which is set to be released on November 21.
In an interview with Elle, Erivo reacted to those saying she was a "woke hire" to play Wicked's Elphaba. The two-time Oscar nominee explained that she had to audition for the role"just like everybody else", and subsequently showed that she earned the role, while also pointing out her previous work history as a reason why she would be a good fit for the part. Erivo's full comments about joining the film can be found below:
I had to audition, just like everybody else. And I'm glad I had to do that. I have the credentials for it. I've done the work. But I'm glad they got to be sure about the choice. It allows me to take this, and to know that I had to work really hard for it.
Going Through The Audition Process Showed She Was The Right Fit For The Role
Erivo explaining that she had to audition for the role against other actors is another reason why she was the right pick for Wicked's Elphaba. Whoever was going to play the character not only had to be a great actor, but also had to be a great singer. Throughout her career, Erivo has shown that she does a great job of doing both, including starring onstage in the musical version of The Color Purple, which earned her a Tony Award.
Since the Wicked Witch of the West is such an iconic movie villain, Erivo also had to follow in the footsteps of Margaret Hamilton's legendary performance in The Wizard of Oz. However, since Wicked follows the character at a different time in her life, Erivo had to make the character her own and not just do an imitation of Hamilton, nor Idina Menzel from the stage play. Erivo also had to take a character who is traditionally shown as evil, and make her sympathetic.
Cynthia Erivo and Idina Menzel offer two unique takes on Elphaba, with one actor beating the other for the better version of the Wicked character.
While there may have been some toxic detractors for her casting, the wider reception to Erivo's Wicked performance proves she was the right fit. She has already netted herself a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, a promising sign for her chances to earn the same recognition at next year's Academy Awards. She's also won and been nominated for similar awards for the movie at a variety of other awards ceremonies.
Erivo's Performance Is One Of The Best Parts Of The Film
Whenever a new actor takes on an iconic role, there are almost always going to be some people who are unhappy. However, it's really a shame that some people complained that Erivo was a "woke hire," even though she had proven herself in the audition process. Erivo's performance as Elphaba is one of the best parts of Wicked, especially when looking at everything the character goes through in the story.
Her performance of the song "Defying Gravity" was one of the most memorable parts of the movie, as well as an exciting way to end it. Erivo's take on Elphaba in Wicked is one of the big reasons why audiences are so excited to return to this version of Oz next year.
Wicked adapts the Broadway musical into a two-part film, following the unlikely friendship between Elphaba, born with green skin, and Glinda, a popular aristocrat, in the Land of Oz. As they navigate their contrasting paths, they evolve into Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
Release Date
November 22, 2024
Runtime
160 Minutes
Cast
Cynthia Erivo
, Ariana Grande
, Michelle Yeoh
, Jeff Goldblum
, Jonathan Bailey
, Ethan Slater
, Marissa Bode
, Bowen Yang
, Bronwyn James
, Keala Settle
, Peter Dinklage
, Aaron Teoh
, Grecia De la Paz
, Colin Michael Carmichael
, Adam James
, Andy Nyman
, Courtney Mae-Briggs
, Sharon D. Clarke
, Jenna Boyd
Character(s)
Elphaba Thropp
, Glinda Upland
, Madame Morrible
, The Wizard
, Fiyero Tigelaar
, Boq
, Nessarose Thropp
, Pfannee
, ShenShen
, Miss Coddle
, Doctor Dillamond (voice)
, Avaric Tenmeadows
, Gilligan
, Professor Nikidik
, Glinda's Father
, Governor Frexspar Thropp
, Melena Thropp
, The Midwife
Director
Jon M. Chu
Writers
Gregory Maguire
, Winnie Holzman
, Dana Fox
, L. Frank Baum
English (US) ·