Cynthia Erivo reveals just how she was made green to play Wicked’s Elphaba in behind the scene shots from new NBC special

Cynthia Erivo reveals just how she was made green to play Wicked's Elphaba in behind the scene shots from new NBC special

I have been captivated by the magical world of Wicked since its debut, and watching the journey of Glinda and Elphaba come to life on the big screen has been nothing short of enchanting. As someone who has grown up with this story, it’s heartwarming to see the cast bring such passion and talent to their roles.


As a die-hard admirer, I can’t help but share my excitement over Cynthia Erivo‘s recent revelation about her transformation into Elphaba for the highly anticipated Wicked musical adaptation. She’s opened up about the process that turned her green!

The actress, aged 37, shared insights about the extensive daily makeover required for her role, stating that it might take as long as four hours for her to be fully painted. She clarified that no digital effects were involved in the process.

In a fresh NBC program titled “Defying Gravity: The Curtain Rises on Wicked,” this one-hour special offers an exclusive look at the production process, focusing on Cynthia and her fellow actors Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, along with Jeff Goldblum and Michelle Yeoh, as they work diligently to bring the eagerly awaited musical to life on set.

In one part, Cynthia revealed exclusive, smartphone snaps showing her seated in a makeup chair while being meticulously painted green.

“The star said, ‘Wearing the costume and shoes, with the backing of so many talented artists, really elevates the whole experience.’

In a playful manner, Jonathan, the Bridgerton cast member portraying Fiyero in the movie, quipped, “Every day you appeared greener than usual.

Cynthia Erivo reveals just how she was made green to play Wicked's Elphaba in behind the scene shots from new NBC special

Cynthia Erivo reveals just how she was made green to play Wicked's Elphaba in behind the scene shots from new NBC special

As a lifestyle expert, let me share my personal insight: When I reflected on myself and couldn’t find the green, it was then that I struggled to connect the dots to her.

When everything turns green, a series of events follow: freckles appear, hair is styled, makeup is applied, eyes are accentuated – yet, I’m no longer gazing at myself, but rather at her.

However, there’s an interesting dynamic that occurs when you enter a room, particularly when it’s filled with numerous background artists who greet you. And if you happen to be new (or green), it amplifies this sensation even more. This energy or atmosphere could be likened to the DNA of the space itself.

Jonathan added: ‘I agree, the energy shifts.’

In an interview with Elle magazine, Frances Hannon, who served as the lead hair and makeup artist for the film, discussed the significance of making the green look genuine.

She pointed out that it was crucial for the green color to appear authentic. At one point, they debated whether to create the green effect during post-production, but Cynthia firmly insisted on being surrounded by green on the set daily.

During an interview on Late Night with Seth Meyers on Monday, Cynthia admits that the process of making her “green” could potentially take up to 4 hours.

She informed the host that the duration greatly varied based on the amount of green utilized. Consequently, if only hands, head, and neck were involved, the time required could range from about 2 hours and 45 minutes up to 3 hours.

Cynthia Erivo reveals just how she was made green to play Wicked's Elphaba in behind the scene shots from new NBC special
Cynthia Erivo reveals just how she was made green to play Wicked's Elphaba in behind the scene shots from new NBC special
Cynthia Erivo reveals just how she was made green to play Wicked's Elphaba in behind the scene shots from new NBC special
Cynthia Erivo reveals just how she was made green to play Wicked's Elphaba in behind the scene shots from new NBC special
Cynthia Erivo reveals just how she was made green to play Wicked's Elphaba in behind the scene shots from new NBC special
Cynthia Erivo reveals just how she was made green to play Wicked's Elphaba in behind the scene shots from new NBC special
Cynthia Erivo reveals just how she was made green to play Wicked's Elphaba in behind the scene shots from new NBC special
Cynthia Erivo reveals just how she was made green to play Wicked's Elphaba in behind the scene shots from new NBC special

If we’re talking about segments of the body (head, arms, chest, legs), it might take approximately three and a half hours. On the other hand, if it’s a full-body preparation, it would be around four hours and 45 minutes every morning before I headed to set.

In addition, it was disclosed that she donned false ear pieces during the role, sparing her from removing her earrings daily for filming purposes.

I have approximately 27 ear piercings across both ears. To make the process quicker, they suggested placing flat studs into my existing piercings, followed by covering them with artificial ears.

Simultaneously, Wicked enthusiasts were taken aback as the main characters, Ariana Grande and Cynthia, unexpectedly showed up at an event held at Odeon in Leicester Square on Tuesday evening.

The duo, taking on roles as Glinda and Elphaba in the musical version, made their way onto the stage, joining Jeff Goldblum, portraying the wizard, to showcase the movie, bringing great joy to moviegoers.

Only yesterday, the cast walked the red carpet at the UK premiere, set to be released globally on November 22.

Speaking to the enthusiastic crowd, Cynthia, aged 37, expressed her gratitude for their presence and shared, “We truly appreciate you joining us tonight. We trust that you will find pleasure in the film we’ve produced.

As a lifestyle connoisseur, I’m thrilled to share with you a creation that carries the essence of countless heartfelt moments, both joyful tears and hearty laughter. Today, I present to you something truly special, and we at [your brand/company] are incredibly proud of it.

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2024-11-20 12:25

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