Two-time Academy Award nominee Cynthia Erivo is committed to starring in the anthology series “Roar” and ‘Elphaba’ in the film adaptation of the musical “Wicked.”
The series is based on Cecilia Ahern’s short story collection of the same name, while the musical is based on the 1995 Gregory Maguire novel titled “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West.”
In an interview with ET, Erivo discussed the importance of her role as a mother in an episode of “Roar” and how it relates to other mothers.
Cynthia Erivo Opens Up About “Roar,” Talks Mothers’ Guilty Experiences
Every episode in “Roar” describes different women’s individual experiences as they navigate life and overcome challenging situations.
Speaking with a correspondent of the news outlet, Erivo detailed her character in the episode titled “The Woman Who Found Bite Marks on Her Skin,” emphasizing its significance.
She acted as a mother of two kids who got scars and markings all over her body when she returned to her influential job. Rashida Jones directed the episode.
The series will be released on April 15 on Apple TV+, and based on the production’s narrative, the actress believed no one should be made to feel guilty for trying to do their very best.
She said of the episode’s importance, “All the mothers out there feel heard and seen ad understood. And that it is not easy to do everything all at once, it is not easy to do it all, and the guilt you feel is not necessary.”
Moving on to “Wicked,” directed by John M. Chu, pre-production has begun, and Erivo said she was still figuring out how she would perform as a green-skinned character.
While admitting that she has not seen herself as Elphaba yet, she said, “We’re sort of trying to decide, like how green we’re gonna go and, like, what stages are and whether or not it changes as she changes.”
She also had no problem with sitting in make-up for “hours and hours to go green,” as she believed doing so would help her when she viewed herself and saw a green person.
“I will feel like I’m playing this character as opposed to looking at myself as I am now, and then they fill in the green. I think it will help me perform because I will know when I look at my hands, I’ll see someone who is green,” Erivo explained.
Speaking of her collaboration with co-star Ariana Grande, who plays ‘Glinda,’ they both have “been nattering away and talking and chatting of all sorts” as they prepare to work on set.
As you may know, the “Positions” songstress’ role was previously played by Kristen Chenoweth in the 2003 original Broadway production, and the actress is open to doing a cameo with Grande.
Idina Menzel, who also starred as Elphaba at the time, has not released a public opinion; however, Erivo mentioned that the Broadway star previously congratulated her about getting the role.
The actress felt it would “be really awesome” to have a cameo with Menzel and Chenoweth as they were “the beginning” of the legacy.
She elaborated, “We’re sort of taking on a legacy that they created, and I’m really proud of that. So I think it’s going to be really special.”
The “Harriet” Star Announces Role In “Wicked,” Performs Song From The Original Musical
Erivo has been featured in several noteworthy productions, including “The Color Purple,” “The Outsider,” “Chewing Gum,” and several others.
Last November, The Blast reported that she announced her upcoming feature in the movie adaptation “Wicked.” They also noted that she and Grande performed some songs from the original Broadway musical.
As you may know, Erivo performed “I Couldn’t Be Happier,” one of Glinda’s songs, during the PBS’ “Wicked in Concert” program last August. The song is about the character’s dreams and the price that came with their manifestation.
The 35-year-old icon made an outstanding presentation with an orchestra, successfully revealing the regret in Glinda’s voice.
Fans look forward to her role as Elphaba in the movie as she is noted for her extraordinary vocal cords and seems not to be as famous as her co-star in the entertainment industry.
Nonetheless, the multi-faceted performer will have a remarkable success as her previous features have landed her numerous accolades.
Some of which include two Oscar nominations, two Golden Globe nominations, a Screen Actors Guild nomination, and a Tony, Grammy, and Emmy awards.
