Cynthia Erivo recently shared her profound sentiments on the heart-wrenching conclusion of "Wicked: For Good" during a poignant conversation at the Elphaba's Wicked Retreat Airbnb Originals Experience event. Reflecting on her character Elphaba's storyline in the sequel to the 2024 blockbuster "Wicked," the actress shed light on the intimate moment that caps off her journey.
In the film's final moments, Elphaba, under a trap door, orchestrates her own tragic demise through a clever ruse. She and her beloved Fiyero (played by Jonathan Bailey), who abandoned her best friend Glinda (Ariana Grande) at their wedding and was transformed into a straw figure by an earlier protective spell, are seen walking into the sunset, away from the enchanted land of Oz. Before departing, Elphaba bestows her Grimmerie spell book upon a newly empowered Glinda, and the two reconcile, harmonizing in a poignant reprise of "For Good."
Touching on this emotional juncture between the two characters, Cynthia shared, "Two profound emotions intertwine in that line. It attempts to guide Glinda towards understanding the reality of the situation, while also offering solace." She continued, "I believe she realizes that her friend perceives her in a unique light," adding, "I adore the subtlety with which you can convey so much more in a single phrase."
Erivo further elaborated, "Look at me, not with your eyes. For she knows that Glinda will see something vastly different from what others perceive. And she must remind her that what you see is not what everyone else sees. And you must embrace that too, for it's the only way we can progress." The actress expressed her affection for this line, "because it's something that Elphaba must also confront." She concluded, "I think it's the first time she finds solace in what lies ahead."
With each word carefully chosen and every sentiment imbued with profound meaning, Cynthia Erivo's interpretation of Elphaba's final moments in "Wicked: For Good" breathes life into the story and leaves a lasting impression on the hearts of those who hear it.
