Cynthia Erivo, the talented actress, has taken a stand against fans who digitally altered her image on the poster for the movie musical “Wicked,” denouncing it as degrading. The official poster for the upcoming film, released last week, features Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda. While the image closely resembles the original Broadway musical artwork, fans noticed distinct differences, particularly in Elphaba’s eyes being covered and lips in a bright red shade.
Among the fan edits circulating online, an Instagram account @wickedmexicofans posted a version that aligned more with the original illustration, sparking Erivo’s reaction. She reposted the edited image on her Instagram Stories, expressing her dismay, stating it was offensive and not a matter to be taken lightly. Erivo highlighted that the original poster was an illustration while she is a real human being who intentionally looked directly at the camera to connect with viewers through eye contact.
In response to the alterations, Erivo emphasised the significance of her unedited portrayal and the impact of modifying her appearance, calling it hurtful and a form of erasure. She further reinforced her stance by sharing the unaltered film poster to remind audiences of her authentic representation.
“Wicked” is scheduled for release in UK and US cinemas on November 22, with a second installment anticipated in the following year. Speculations have arisen concerning the movie’s format, with discussions around whether it will remain a single film or be split into two as initially planned. Observations from fans suggest a potential adjustment in the project’s structure based on promotional cues and trailer content, hinting at a revised narrative trajectory.
As the excitement builds for the cinematic adaptation of the beloved musical, fans eagerly await the unfolding of the “Wicked” story on the big screen, navigating through speculation and revelations surrounding the film’s presentation and future prospects.