'Wicked' Movie Poster Altered to Mimic Musical Version; Cynthia Erivo Finds it 'Deeply Hurtful'
Beware the wrath of the "Wicked" witch. Cynthia Erivo, portraying Elphaba in the forthcoming "Wicked" film, has vociferously criticized various memes and fan-altered versions of the movie's poster, which she claims "diminish" and "obliterate" her presence. Earlier this month, enthusiasts took creative liberty with the latest "Wicked" movie poster, featuring Ariana Grande as Glinda whispering while Erivo gazes forward. They altered it to more closely mirror the musical's iconic logo. In that classic image, Glinda leans in, her hand cupping her mouth to speak into Elphaba's ear, who wears a mischievous grin beneath her signature pointed hat.
Many aficionados viewed this as an enhancement over the official film poster, where Erivo's visage is fully exposed. In an Instagram story on Wednesday, Erivo described it as the "most astonishingly offensive thing" she had encountered. "Our poster serves as an homage, not an imitation. Altering my face and concealing my eyes equates to erasing me," she expressed. "That is profoundly distressing."
Within the same story, Erivo highlighted other "Wicked" memes circulating online, including one with an inappropriate jest about Elphaba's physique and an AI-generated video depicting the two actresses in combat. "This isn't humorous. It isn't charming," Erivo stated. "It demeans me. It demeans us."
Erivo, alongside Grande and "Wicked" director Jon M. Chu, reposted the official poster on their Instagram stories on Wednesday. Chu, in his message, hailed Erivo as "(his) superhero." Anticipation for the eagerly awaited "Wicked" debut has been filled with humor, memes, and diverse reactions from fans. Some have wondered why the film's trailers obscure its nature as a musical and the fact that it constitutes only the first part of a planned two-part series—the initial film will encompass the musical's first act, culminating in the powerful anthem "Defying Gravity."
The first installment of "Wicked" is slated to hit theaters on November 22. The sequel is anticipated in November 2025.
