Cynthia Erivo, the talented actress known for her powerful performances, is taking a stand against fan-made alterations to the promotional materials for the upcoming film adaptation of “Wicked.” The film, which is a highly anticipated adaptation of the iconic Broadway musical, features Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda. The controversy began when Warner Bros. released a poster for the film that paid homage to the original Broadway design, but with a modern twist: Elphaba’s hat was lifted to reveal Erivo’s eyes, creating a direct connection with the audience.
However, some fans, eager to see a more traditional representation, took to social media to create photoshopped versions of the poster. These edits lowered Elphaba’s hat and added bold red lipstick, aligning more closely with the Broadway aesthetic. Erivo found these changes deeply offensive and expressed her feelings on Instagram, stating, “This is the wildest, most offensive thing I have seen. None of this is funny. None of it is cute. It degrades me. It degrades us.”
Erivo emphasized the significance of the original poster’s design, explaining, “I am a real life human being, who chose to look right down the barrel of the camera to you, the viewer … because, without words we communicate with our eyes.” She argued that altering the image to obscure her face effectively erases her presence and the artistic intention behind the design.
The issue extends beyond the poster edits. Erivo also addressed the circulation of derogatory memes, including the infamous “Is your p—- green?” meme, which has long been associated with the character of Elphaba. Additionally, a viral AI-generated video depicting a fictional fight between Elphaba and Glinda added to the discourse. Erivo condemned these trends for their offensive nature, reiterating that “none of this is funny” and expressing how such content degrades the actors involved.
The debate highlights the ongoing tension between creative expression and fan interpretations in the digital age. While fan art and edits can often be seen as a form of tribute, Erivo’s response underscores the need for sensitivity and respect towards the artists and their work. The incident also raises questions about the boundaries of fan engagement and the impact of digital alterations on the perception of art and artists.
Universal Pictures, alongside director Jon M. Chu, has adapted “Wicked” into a two-part film, with the first installment set to premiere on November 22. The story, which explores the unlikely friendship between Elphaba and Glinda at Shiz University in Oz, also stars Michelle Yeoh, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, and Bowen Yang. The second part of the film is slated for release in 2025, promising to bring the magical world of Oz to life on the big screen. As the release date approaches, the conversation around the film and its portrayal of beloved characters continues to evolve, reflecting the complex relationship between creators and their audiences.
