Cynthia Erivo revealed just how long it took to transform into Elphaba while filming Wicked.
The 37-year-old actress brings the iconic green character to life in the big-screen adaptation of the beloved musical. During an interview with Elle UK, she confirmed that the team used makeup to get her green skin instead of using effects.
How long did it take Cynthia to get ready for a day on set?
She answered that question and responded to people saying that she was a “woke hire” for the movie. The actress even shared some insight into her bond with costar Ariana Grande.
Keep reading to find out more…
On how long it took to put on her green makeup to play Elphaba: “At the beginning, there was a question about whether we would use CGI, but I wanted it to be practical make-up. The make-up took about two hours and 45 minutes if it was head, neck and hands. If it was the whole body, that would be about four hours.”
On people calling her a “woke hire” for the movie: “There have definitely been conversations about me getting this role as a ‘woke hire.’ 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.”
On her relationship with Ariana Grande: “We cultivated a friendship, outside of all of this, that allows us to have these real, deep connective conversations that join us as friends and sisters. We sit on FaceTime for hours.”
On feeling a connection to Elphaba: “I was conscious that I didn’t want to erase the thing that I am underneath the green. For me, it was about using my own experience as the ‘other,’ as someone who exists in that way. So, that’s partially the reason why Elphaba has braids, as opposed to straight hair. It’s the reason why she has long nails.”
“I think, because Elphaba’s otherness is about the colour of her skin, I immediately feel connected to it as a Black woman. The beauty is that it connects with anyone who feels like they’re the other – whether they are Black, whether they are queer, or whether they are just… different.”
We got some very exciting news about Wicked: Part Two this week.
