Cynthia Erivo’s Performance In “Wicked” Has Sparked A Conversation Around The “Depth” Added To Elphaba By Having Her Played By A Black Woman

Wicked is finally out in theaters, and if you haven’t seen it yet, you absolutely should.

Without giving too much away, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande have seriously wowed fans and critics with their incredible performances as Elphaba and Glinda, respectively, in the new Jon M. Chu musical movie.

Well, amid growing praise and Oscar buzz for the leading duo, several fans online are discussing the “depth” of Elphaba in particular thanks to Cynthia’s performance.

For some quick context, Elphaba, AKA the Wicked Witch of the West, is pretty infamous for her green skin. She’s essentially othered from day one and hated throughout the land of Oz, so much so that the villagers celebrate her death in the opening sequence.

Given that the entire premise of the movie is based on Elphaba being othered due to her skin color, fans online are now discussing how Cynthia — a Black woman — playing the role added a new layer of depth to the character.

Now, it’s important to note that Cynthia isn’t the first Black actor to play Elphaba. Alexia Khadime was the first Black woman to play the role in Wicked in the West End, in London.

Other actors who have played Elphaba include Kerry Ellis, Rachel Tucker, Jennifer DiNoia, and more.

It’s also important to note that Idina Menzel, who is Jewish, originated the role of Elphaba in the Wicked musical on Broadway, which was created by Jewish writers Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman.

Stephen previously suggested that Idina’s casting was intentional, as he explained how Wicked “resonates with many Jewish people’s experience” as “outsiders.”

“I think a lot of musical theatre themes speak to Jewish audiences, because in many instances musicals are about outsiders, striving to discover how they might fit in,” he said. “Wicked is not overtly Jewish-themed but it certainly resonates with many Jewish people’s experience.”

With all this in mind, fans on X have discussed Cynthia’s performance as Elphaba amid the new movie’s release. One popular post with over seven million views read, “Elphaba being played by a black woman added depth and relatability to her character!”

One user replied, “one BILLION percent yes. i have no idea why she hasn’t always been played by a black actress actually… her entire character’s story is based off of racism ??”

“Elphaba’s life experience mirrors the reality for many black women as well as anyone else who’s been made to feel they don’t belong or been punished for the sins of others. Cynthia DID THAT,” another said. “u really gotta give it to a black actress, i mean elphie’s whole character story is based off of racism,” one more person added.

Amid the discussion, many people rightfully brought the importance of Idina’s casting into view, as mentioned above. However, as others explained, a Black woman in the role still “changes the subtext” in an “impactful” way.

“I think we can both acknowledge that elphaba was written by Jewish writers for a Jewish actress, creating an explicitly antisemitic subtext , AND that elphaba being played by a black woman changes the subtext in an important and impactful way,” one person explained.

Interestingly, earlier this month, Cynthia herself highlighted her personal experience of feeling othered, which she brought to the role.

“I just know what it’s like to feel like you don’t fit. Like you’re just outside of the ordinary, like there’s no room for you,” she told Entertainment Tonight.

“I know what all that feels like. I guess I used Elphaba as this wonderful opportunity to share that experience,” she continued.

“I think the wonderful thing about that is that I know there are so many people watching who feel the same, so I feel like it’s a bit of a hug for anyone who feels that way,” she added.

Wicked is out now in theaters!