Wicked star Cynthia Erivo says feeling like an outsider and 'not fitting in' drew her to role of Elphaba

November 14, 2024, 10:06 PM | Last updated: November 14, 2024, 10:50 PM

British actress Cynthia Erivo shared that her experiences of feeling like an outsider and struggling to belong inspired her to take on the role of Elphaba in the upcoming hit film Wicked.

Erivo stars opposite US pop sensation Ariana Grande, who plays Glinda, in the movie adaptation of the popular Broadway and West End musical.

The two-part movie delves into the bond shared by the two characters before they grow apart, as depicted in L. Frank Baum's timeless tales. In these stories, Elphaba is recognized as the Wicked Witch of the West, while Glinda is referred to as the Good Witch of the South.

"When I first came across it several years back, I sensed a connection with the character—experiencing that sense of being an outsider, feeling somewhat unique, and struggling to belong," actress Erivo shared during her appearance on the US chat show The View.

I think there was something about it that resonated with me, and I felt it was essential to contribute to that narrative since I could relate to it deeply.

The 37-year-old expressed that she has consistently felt like she was "not the same as others."

"I often feel like the odd person in the room. When I enter, especially in this line of work, I stand out," she commented.

"There aren't many people who resemble me. I definitely stand out; I feel like I'm the unusual one." Erivo expressed that being unique often means "there isn't always a place for you," noting that it has "taken a lot of effort to reach this point."

"I hope people can relate to Elphaba and realize that feeling different or like an outsider is what makes them truly unique and special," she said.

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The original cast members of the musical Wicked came together again to support Grande and Erivo at the film's premiere in Los Angeles over the weekend.

Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth took on the roles of the witches Elphaba and Glinda when the Broadway musical debuted in 2003.

"Wicked" is set to premiere in the UK on November 22, and the second part is anticipated to come out in November 2025.