Cynthia Erivo fervently wishes that certain enthusiasts of "Wicked" would embark on a journey of empathy, understanding the depth of her artistry beyond mere fan-fueled whims. On the vibrant canvas of social media, the esteemed actress lambasted a fan-manipulated poster that cloaked Elphaba's (Erivo's embodiment) piercing gaze beneath the shadows of her witch's hat, shrouding a crucial aspect of her performance.
This unauthorized transformation of Universal Pictures' official poster, where Elphaba's unabashed visage shone as Glinda (played by Ariana Grande) whispered sweet secrets into her ear, mirrored an iconic promotional piece from the original Broadway sensation. Yet, for Erivo, this fan creation struck a discordant chord.
In a heartfelt outpouring on her Instagram Stories, Erivo revealed that the image was "a poignant wound," explaining, "The original poster, an intricate illustration, bears testament to my decision as a flesh-and-blood artist to lock eyes with every viewer, transmitting a tale without words, solely through the windows of our souls. By altering my face, concealing my eyes, it feels like an erasure of my essence—a profound hurt that echoes through my being."
Erivo's concerns extended far beyond this solitary poster, decrying a tide of "Wicked" parodies that she deemed both mischievous and malicious. "I have encountered the wildest, most offensive specters of creativity," she lamented, "rivaling those AI-fueled fantasies of us battling, or the crass inquiries about the hue of my private garden. None of these antics elicit humor or charm; they strip me, and us all, of our dignity."
The production itself, a labor of love for Grande who tirelessly championed its green light, was also beset by the prying eyes of paparazzi. "It was a tender secret, shared among students, a cocoon of intimacy," Grande reminisced, her tone tinged with nostalgia. "But suddenly, the veil was lifted, and the Daily Mail's helicopters hovered over our sanctuary, exposing us to the world."
Moreover, Grande has bravely faced criticism for alleged vocal alterations since her Glinda days, with a viral podcast clip showcasing her lighter tone triggering online mockery. On TikTok, she fiercely defended herself, clarifying, "I consciously adjust my vocal register, high or low, depending on my singing schedule. It's a practice I've long embraced. End of story."
As the highly anticipated release dates for "Wicked" draw near—Part 1 on November 22, 2024, and Part 2 on December 25, 2025—the anticipation builds, amidst the ongoing discourse about respect, creativity, and the boundaries of fandom.
