A new Wicked featurette has been released, showing Cynthia Erivo as she prepares for her role of Elphaba.
The video comes after the actress (known for her roles in Bad Times at the El Royale, Harriet, Luther: The Fallen Sun, and more) revealed that she got to choose between computer-generated imagery (CGI) or practical effects for her Elphaba role.
“I wanted to be able to look at my hands and see green hands. I wanted to look in the mirror and see a green face. I also wanted to see the reactions of other people seeing me as a green person, as opposed to me walking in as myself, because it informed how I performed,” Erivo told Empire.
What happens in the new Wicked video?
Now that Erivo confirmed that she chose practical effects over CGI, the newly released featurette — titled A Day In The Life of Cynthia Erivo — highlights her preparation to channel the green-skinned character, from applying ear prosthetics and green makeup to putting on a wig and fake freckles.
You can watch the full clip down below (watch more videos):
Similar to the popular stage musical of the same name by Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman, the upcoming movie — set to hit theaters November 22, 2024 — will center on the unlikely friendship between Elphaba (played by Erivo) and Glinda (played by Ariana Grande). It is directed by Jon M. Chu, serving as the first part of the director’s movie adaptation. The second part, Wicked Part Two, is slated for 2025 theatrical release.
Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero Tigelaar, Wicked also stars Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, Jeff Goldblum as the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Bowen Yang as Pfannee of Phan Hall, Ethan Slater as Boq Woodsman, Marissa Bode as Nessarose Thropp, Bronwyn James as ShenShen, Andy Nyman as Frexspar Thropp, Courtney-Mae Briggs as Melena Thropp, and Keala Settle as Miss Coddle, among others.
