Cynthia Erivo Reflects on the Legacy of Wicked with Deep Emotion

In a recent heartfelt conversation, Cynthia Erivo opened up about her experiences with Wicked, joined by the film's stars and the Broadway legends instrumental in its legacy. Seated by Ariana Grande, Idina Menzel, and Kristin Chenoweth, Erivo became visibly emotional, reflecting on how profoundly their performances influenced her long before she stepped into the shoes of Elphaba. She shared that she had dreamed for years while listening to Menzel and Chenoweth, expressing how surreal it felt to now share the stage with her inspirations.

As tears welled in her eyes, Grande and Chenoweth reached for each other’s hands while Menzel comforted Erivo with a gentle embrace. Chenoweth, equally moved herself, reassured Erivo that the essence of Wicked lives on through her and the new cast stepping into the magical tale. She expressed the hope that every performer creates work that continues to inspire future generations, noting how witnessing the film adaptation has been especially rewarding. Erivo gratefully acknowledged both original stars for crafting a world where she could live out her dreams, and all four acknowledged the rarity of sharing such a personal moment. Menzel lightened the mood by joking about being “still alive” to witness the journey of the story.

Erivo also disclosed that some of the most powerful moments in the film’s conclusion, For Good, were not scripted. During the filming of the emotional scene between Elphaba and Glinda, she and Grande kept acting post-song, capturing spontaneous exchanges like “What’s going on?” and the poignant “I love you”—lines that emerged naturally. Erivo described these improvised moments as a true reflection of how the characters might genuinely say farewell.

After wrapping the film, Erivo expressed a heartfelt message to her fans, thanking them for the opportunity to portray Elphaba. She acknowledged how profoundly the role affected her and expressed gratitude for the acceptance of her portrayal of such a legendary character.

These emotional exchanges—both during filming and personally—highlight why Wicked continues to resonate across generations. The bond between the original cast and the current performers underscores the lasting impact of a tale that inspires, transforms, and endures.