Cynthia Erivo Speaks Out Against Disrespectful Wicked Poster Edits

Cynthia Erivo, the acclaimed actress set to portray Elphaba in the upcoming Wicked film adaptation, has expressed her outrage over fan-created edits of the movie's official poster that partially obscure her face. In a powerful statement, Erivo condemned the "wildest, most offensive" actions, emphasizing the importance of representation and the dignity of her character.

Erivo Denounces Disrespectful Poster Edits, Demands Visibility

Fans' Attempts to Recreate Broadway Poster Backfire

On October 16th, Erivo took to her Instagram Stories to share a photo of the edited poster, which conceals Elphaba's eyes. The fan-created version aims to mimic the iconic illustrated poster used for the original Broadway musical over the past two decades. However, Erivo found the alteration deeply offensive, equating it to "that awful AI of us fighting" and the degrading question "is your ***** green?"Erivo emphasized that the original poster is an illustration, while she is a "real life human being" who chose to look directly at the camera, communicating through her eyes. "To edit my face and hide my eyes is to erase me," she wrote, describing the act as "deeply hurtful."

Erivo Defends the Integrity of the Wicked Poster

The actress further clarified that the movie's poster is "an homage, not an imitation" of the Broadway show's iconic design. She expressed her disappointment that fans would attempt to alter the official artwork, undermining the intentional representation and visibility she sought to bring to the role.Erivo's passionate response highlights the importance of respecting the integrity of the source material and the lived experiences of the actors who bring these beloved characters to life. As a leading actress of color, Erivo's portrayal of Elphaba holds significant cultural significance, and she rightfully demands that her image and identity be honored.

Erivo Reasserts Her Presence with the Official Poster

In a follow-up post, Erivo shared the movie's official and unedited poster, writing, "Let me put this right here, to remind you and cleanse your palette." This gesture serves as a powerful reclamation of her rightful place at the center of the Wicked narrative, asserting her presence and demanding that her fans and the public recognize and respect her contribution to the iconic character.Erivo's unwavering stance against the disrespectful poster edits underscores the ongoing need for greater representation and respect for marginalized artists in the entertainment industry. Her voice and her image are integral to the Wicked story, and she will not allow them to be diminished or erased.

The Highly Anticipated Wicked Film Adaptation

The upcoming two-part Wicked film adaptation, directed by Jon M. Chu, boasts an impressive ensemble cast that includes Ariana Grande as Glinda, Michelle Yeoh, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Bowen Yang, Keala Settle, and Ethan Slater. Chu has promised that the cinematic adaptation will offer a more intimate and powerful exploration of the characters, with the camera capturing the nuances of their performances in a way that the stage production cannot.As anticipation builds for the Wicked films, Erivo's powerful response to the disrespectful poster edits serves as a reminder of the importance of honoring the integrity of the source material and the lived experiences of the actors who bring these beloved characters to life. Her unwavering commitment to her craft and her refusal to be erased or diminished will undoubtedly inspire and empower audiences as they witness her transformative performance as Elphaba on the big screen.