Cynthia Erivo has recently opened up about her strong reaction to a fan-created poster for the upcoming film adaptation of Wicked, expressing that the edit left her feeling disrespected. The actress, known for her powerful portrayal of Elphaba in the movie, shared her thoughts during a red carpet interview at the 2024 CFDA Fashion Awards on October 28.
Erivo’s comments come after she condemned the viral fan-edited poster on her Instagram account on October 16. The poster, which aimed to mimic the iconic artwork of the original Broadway show, obscured her face, prompting Erivo to declare that it “degrades me.”
Passion for the Role
When discussing her feelings about the poster, Erivo emphasized her passion for her role in Wicked. “I’m really protective of it,” she stated. “It’s a human moment of wanting to protect little Elphaba.” She acknowledged that her response may have been impulsive, saying, “I probably should have called my friends, but it’s fine.”
In her Instagram Stories, Erivo described the edited image as “the wildest, most offensive thing I have seen.” She expressed her hurt by stating, “None of this is funny. None of it is cute. It degrades me. It degrades us.” She further articulated her disappointment by explaining, “The original poster is an ILLUSTRATION. I am a real-life human being, who chose to look right down the barrel of the camera to you, the viewer.”
A Deeply Hurtful Experience
Erivo highlighted that altering her image in such a way is akin to erasing her identity. “Our poster is an homage, not an imitation. To edit my face and hide my eyes is to erase me. And that is just deeply hurtful,” she shared.
Ariana Grande, who stars as Glinda alongside Erivo, expressed her understanding of the situation during a separate event. She acknowledged that both actresses are experiencing a significant shift as the spotlight turns towards the new movie. “This is something that is so much bigger than us, and the fans are gonna have fun and make their edits,” Grande remarked. She also expressed her love and respect for Erivo, emphasizing the importance of supporting one another during this transition.
Anticipation for the Film
Fans eagerly await the release of Wicked, which hits theaters on November 27, 2024. The film’s second part is slated to premiere on November 26, 2025. As excitement builds around the movie, Erivo’s candid reflections remind audiences of the importance of respect and representation in the creative process.
