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’sWizard of Ozprequel 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 inthe upcoming sequelWicked: For Good, which is set to be released on November 21.
In an interview withElle, Erivo reacted to those saying she was a “woke hire” to playWicked’s Elphaba. The two-time Oscar nominee explained thatshe 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.
What Erivo’s Comments Mean For Wicked
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 wasthe right pick forWicked’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 ofThe 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 inThe Wizard of Oz. However, sinceWickedfollows 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 vs Idina Menzel: Whose Elphaba Is Better
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’sWickedperformanceproves 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.
Our Take On Erivo’s Comments About Being Cast In Wicked
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 ofWicked, 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 inWickedis one of the big reasons why audiences are so excited to return to this version of Oz next year.
Wicked
Cast
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.
