Who Plays Elphaba In The Wicked Movie

As the Wicked film adaptation comes closer to its release date, it’s time to take a look at the movie musical’s cast, specifically, who is playing the leading role of Elphaba Thropp. Wicked originated as a 1995 novel by Gregory Maguire entitled “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West.” In 2003, Maguire’s book was loosely adapted into a musical, simply called “Wicked.” The story follows the Wicked Witch of the West, Elphaba, who begins attending Shiz University before Dorothy Gale’s arrival in Oz, and forms a relationship with Glinda the Good.

Because of Wicked’s strong connections to the iconic film, The Wizard of Oz, and its immense popularity among the Broadway community, the movie is going to be a big deal upon its release in November 2024. Therefore, every aspect of the film is going to be under the microscope by fans, including Wicked’s cast of characters. There are countless pivotal roles included in Wicked, but one of the most important is Elphaba. As the main character, Elphaba must make audiences care for her and understand how she becomes the Wicked Witch of the West.

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Cynthia Erivo Plays Elphaba Thropp In The Wicked Movie

In 2024’s Wicked movie, Elphaba is played by Cynthia Erivo. For context, Elphaba is known as the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz, however in Wicked, she is just a young witch starting out at a new school. Elphaba is studious, smart, and closed off. She struggles to make friends because her green skin makes her an outsider, even within her own family. However, when she and Glinda the Good, known as Galinda, become unlikely friends, Elphaba’s future changes. She finds power within herself and gets everything she has always yearned for.

Actress Cynthia Erivo is portraying Elphaba in Wicked. Erivo is an English actress whose career began in 2011. However, long before that, she was born in Stockwell, England to Nigerian parents. Originally, she attended the University of East London to pursue a degree in music psychology, however, a year into her program, she transferred to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art to study acting. Presently, Erivo is well-known for her career in musical theater and film. Wicked is Erivo’s most recent project, as it is split into two parts, Wicked: Part One and Wicked: Part Two.

Cynthia Erivo Had Extensive Theatre Experience Before Her Wicked Casting

Cynthia Erivo’s casting as Elphaba makes sense considering her thorough experience in musical theater prior to making Wicked. Though Erivo is known to most audiences as a movie actor, her true claim to fame is in Broadway musicals. In 2013, Erivo stood out when she received the role of Celie Harris in the Broadway revival of The Color Purple. This iconic role boosted her into the spotlight. Other shows she participated in include Sister Act, I Can’t Sing! The X Factor Musical, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying and The Last Five Years.

Ultimately, Erivo transitioned out of the Broadway world for film in 2016. Despite this, her theater roots will always be a significant part of her career. In terms of Wicked, her theater experience explains why she is the perfect choice for Elphaba. Not only does Erivo have experience in front of a camera on a movie set, but she also has incredible singing and acting skills. In this way, she is the ideal candidate to bring a musical like Wicked to life in film format because she understands both sides. She can find a good middle ground as an actor.

What Other Movies & Shows Cynthia Erivo Is Known For

Aside from her Broadway credentials, Cynthia Erivo has appeared in various films and television series. Erivo’s first on-screen role came in 2015 in the British sitcom, Chewing Gum. Her first film role was in 2018’s Widows. In 2020, Erivo made a splash when she earned a regular role in the series The Outsider, and the following year, she portrayed Aretha Franklin in Genius. Her most important film parts include roles in Bad Times at the El Royale, Pinnocchio, and Harriet.

Wicked is going to be a major release at the end of 2024, and Cynthia Erivo will hopefully only make it better. As a Broadway star, she is sure to bring justice to the character of Elphaba, and hopefully, her film credits will also help her make the movie shine. Alongside Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum, Cynthia Erivo will make Wicked a memorable part of 2024.