With the release of the Wicked movie in November 2024, it became one of the highest-grossing Broadway musical adaptations worldwide, drawing moviegoers from across the globe. What makes this adaptation stand out is not just its seamless transformation from a beloved Broadway play to the big screen but also its emotional depth and cultural significance.
The film resonated deeply with audiences, particularly through the character of Elphaba—a green-skinned woman who faces prejudice and discrimination. Many connected with her because she was different, an outsider who defied society’s narrow definitions of beauty. But for Black women, Elphaba symbolized something even more powerful—representation.
Representation is more crucial than ever, especially as attacks on Black history and culture continue to rise. With Black British actress Cynthia Erivo portraying Elphaba, this film is more than just an adaptation—it is a celebration of Erivo’s artistry and her embodiment of Black womanhood in Wicked, marking a historic moment in both cinematic and theatrical storytelling.
Cynthia Erivo is no stranger to the acting world. She has starred in numerous films and television shows that highlight the depth and complexity of Black women. In 2019, she brought Harriet Tubman to life in Harriet, showing audiences that Tubman was more than just a heroic figure—she was a daughter, cousin, aunt, friend, and fierce resistance leader. Throughout her career, Erivo has taken on powerful roles that have shaped her journey as an actress. Her talent and dedication have earned her numerous accolades, solidifying her place as a force in the entertainment industry.
Beyond her acting, Erivo is also an extraordinary singer with a powerhouse voice that has captivated audiences worldwide. A Grammy and Tony Award winner, she has proven her versatility across stage, film, and music, continuously redefining representation. However, her journey with Wicked wasn’t without challenges. Before the film’s release, Erivo and her co-star Ariana Grande faced media scrutiny during their press tour, with some accusing them of being overly “sensitive” about the film’s significance. But after seeing the movie, perceptions shifted.
In Wicked, Erivo embodies Elphaba, a green-skinned woman who endures relentless prejudice and discrimination simply for being different. Her journey is one of rejection, resilience, and ultimately, self-acceptance. But through Erivo’s powerful performance, Elphaba becomes more than a misunderstood witch—she reflects the struggles of those who have been cast aside by society.
For Black women, Wicked was more than just a tale of overcoming obstacles. It was about recognition. It was about feeling seen. They understood what it meant to exist in spaces that disrespected them, overlooked them, and scrutinized the way they looked, dressed, or carried themselves. They knew all too well what it felt like to be labeled the “angry Black woman” simply for asserting their existence. Seeing Erivo as Elphaba wasn’t just about a great performance; it was about representation. It was about culture. It was about the power of finally seeing themselves in a story that had always been theirs, too.
While on a press tour, Cynthia Erivo delivered a powerful message to an audience filled with Black women. Speaking with Essence lifestyle editor Domonique Fluker, she shared her hope that Black women stay true to who they are, recognizing their own power.
This sentiment is especially reflected in her performance of Defying Gravity, where she belts:
“Nobody in all of Oz
No wizard that there is or was
Is ever gonna bring me down.
Cynthia Erivo embodied Blackness in its authenticity—she made sure that Elphaba was for Black women. She ensured that micro braids were incorporated into her character’s look to honor Black women and made certain that her image was portrayed accurately. Before the movie was even released, a so-called “fan” altered the movie poster, covering Erivo’s entire face while leaving Ariana Grande’s untouched. This blatant erasure was not just an act of disrespect but an attempt to obscure the fact that Elphaba was and is a Black woman in this portrayal.
At a time when Black women were cast in supporting roles, Erivo made sure that Elphaba’s representation was rooted in Black womanhood. Elphaba’s story, though wrapped in fantasy, is a powerful metaphor. She is green, yes, but that green skin and her identity as a witch make her a target of discrimination, much like how Black women are marginalized for their power, intelligence, and presence. She is both feared and exploited for her gifts—Mr. Oz manipulates her abilities against her and incites an insurrection, much like history has repeatedly shown how Black women’s brilliance is used while they are vilified.
For Black women, this narrative is all too familiar. Black women are often the first to call out injustice—whether it be racism, sexism, classism, or any form of discrimination. In Wicked, Elphaba is no different. When the animals in Oz are mistreated and marginalized, she is the first to recognize the injustice and fight against it. Just like in real life, Black women refuse to stay silent in the face of oppression.
The significance of Erivo’s casting speaks to the lived experiences of Black women who have long fought for recognition in spaces designed to overlook them. Through her unwavering commitment to authenticity, Erivo has redefined Elphaba and reinforced the power of storytelling as a tool for representation and social change.
Wicked is no longer just a story about an outsider seeking acceptance; it is a declaration that those who have been marginalized, silenced, or erased will no longer be ignored. And through Cynthia Erivo’s groundbreaking performance, Black women everywhere are reminded that they, too, have the power to defy gravity.
Aniya Gold is a Ph.D. student at the University of Memphis, specializing in African American history, with a focus on the lived experiences of Black women. As a public historian, she has curated exhibits that center Black narratives and works to amplify underrepresented voices in historical and cultural spaces.
