Actress and singer Cynthia Erivo has said she feels “so pleased” and “really proud” following the release of Wicked: For Good, the second instalment of Jon M Chu’s film adaptation of the much-loved Broadway musical. Erivo, 38, reprises her role as Elphaba, the misunderstood green witch, in the two-part reimagining loosely inspired by Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel. The new release continues the story from the first film, which arrived in November 2024, charting Elphaba’s transformation into the Wicked Witch of the West as she becomes vilified across Oz.
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Speaking on ITV’s Lorraine, Erivo expressed her delight at the film’s debut. “I’m so pleased that it’s out finally and people can go see it. I’m really proud of this particular part of the movie,” she said. “I felt like we all had to grow a lot. So I’m excited that we can share it now.”
The musical sequel sees Erivo starring opposite US pop singer Ariana Grande, who portrays Glinda, Elphaba’s once-close friend who later embodies goodness in Oz. Reflecting on their partnership, Erivo said: “When we realised that we actually could sing together, like our voices worked together, it really was like magic… It was like, ‘Oh my gosh, we’re right for each other.’”
In an emotional Instagram post on Friday, Erivo shared her gratitude for the experience. “I could write you an essay, a poem, Shakespearean prose, to describe what this journey has meant to me… The numbers are too small and the words are not enough,” she wrote. “Take my hand and walk with me to the end of this road paved with gold… Thank you for letting me be your Elphaba. All my love, C.”
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Erivo also recently made headlines after intervening to protect Grande when a fan rushed the red carpet at the film’s Singapore premiere and placed an arm around the singer. According to reports, a court later sentenced the Australian man involved to nine days in prison.
