“For Every Outsider”: Cynthia Erivo’s Powerful Message Behind Her Wicked Role

Cynthia Erivo is putting power behind the green. The Wicked star has revealed that her portrayal of Elphaba in the highly anticipated film was inspired by her identity and the experience of being “othered.”

Speaking to HELLO! magazine, Erivo opened up about the pride she poured into the performance, explaining how the iconic green skin symbolized far more than just makeup.

“The green stands for every person who feels othered, who feels different, who doesn’t feel as though they’re connected or ends up feeling as though they’re on the outside,” she said. “But there’s also that layer of, ‘Who am I underneath it?’”

Erivo emphasized that the character’s signature look was carefully crafted with intention: “Those braids are on purpose; I asked for the braids. The nails are on purpose, I asked for the nails. The pride I feel about being a Black woman is in there as well.”

Describing Elphaba as a “beautiful challenge,” Erivo said the real test wasn’t just performing in green, it was revealing the heart beneath the surface.

“Elphaba is a challenging character because you want people to see her vulnerability and humanity,” she explained. “You have to come past the green so people can actually see her as a person.”

The 2024 film adaptation of Wicked, directed by Jon M. Chu, stars Cynthia Erivo opposite pop powerhouse Ariana Grande as Glinda. Their chemistry, Erivo revealed, was immediate.

Speaking to Extra, Erivo recalled the first time she and Grande connected before filming: “When we found out we were doing this, I asked her to come around and just chill… We sat on my floor and chatted for hours.”

She added, “In that moment, we both realized that we had something, like an immediate sort of connection.”

Cynthia Erivo’s performance in Wicked continues to draw acclaim, not just for its vocal power but for the deeper meaning she’s infused into every scene. Her Elphaba isn’t just misunderstood, she’s a mirror for anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider.

The film, which soared at the box office last year, is expected to remain a major player through awards season, thanks in large part to the emotional gravity Erivo brings to her role.

Wicked is in theaters now, and Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba is rewriting what it means to defy gravity, by standing boldly in your truth.