Cynthia Erivo has publicly expressed her discontent over a digitally altered version of the poster for the upcoming film adaptation of Wicked, which she stars in as Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West. The actress labeled the alteration, as well as the accompanying memes circulating online, as “offensive” and “deeply hurtful.”
In the original film poster, Erivo appears alongside Ariana Grande, who plays Glinda. The design pays homage to the iconic promotional artwork from the Broadway musical, showing Glinda whispering to Elphaba. However, the edited version portrays Elphaba differently; instead of the original smirk with her eyes hidden beneath her black hat, she gazes directly at the viewer.
Erivo expressed her frustration towards the individual who modified the poster, stating, “The original poster is an ILLUSTRATION. 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. Our poster is an homage, not an imitation. To edit my face and hide my eyes is to erase me. And that is just deeply hurtful.”
In her comments, Erivo also denounced various Wicked-related memes, including one that made an inappropriate joke about Elphaba’s anatomy and an AI-generated video depicting the two actresses in a fictitious altercation. She emphasized that such content is neither humorous nor acceptable, asserting, “This is the wildest, most offensive thing I have seen, equal to that awful AI of us fighting, equal to people posting the question, ‘is your * green.’ None of this is funny. None of it is cute. It degrades me. It degrades us.”
To reinforce her point, Erivo shared an image of the unaltered film poster on social media, aiming to remind audiences of the original artwork.
Wicked is directed by Jon M. Chu and is scheduled for release on November 22, coinciding with the launch of Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II. This overlap has led fans to speculate about a potential double feature dubbed “Glicked.” The film also features notable actors such as Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, and Bowen Yang, and will be released in two parts, with the second part expected on December 25, 2025.The controversy surrounding the Wicked poster edit highlights broader issues regarding representation and respect for artists in the entertainment industry. Erivo’s reaction underscores the importance of maintaining the integrity of visual media, especially when it involves real individuals. Her stance resonates particularly with the themes explored in Wicked, which challenges perceptions of identity and societal expectations.
As Erivo pointed out, the alteration of her image not only distorts her representation but also diminishes her role in a narrative that seeks to redefine traditional views of good and evil. The actress emphasized that the film aims to present complex characters whose stories deserve to be told authentically. She believes that reducing a nuanced character to a mere caricature undermines the film’s message and the hard work of everyone involved in the project.
Furthermore, the actress’s comments reflect a growing concern within the entertainment community regarding the impact of digital manipulation and meme culture. Many artists and public figures have expressed frustration over how their images are used and altered without consent, often leading to misinterpretations of their work or identity. This has become especially prevalent with the rise of social media, where memes and edits can quickly go viral, sometimes with damaging consequences.
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Erivo’s assertion that the memes “degrade” both her and her co-star speaks to a larger conversation about accountability in digital spaces. The entertainment industry has seen a push for greater awareness of the implications of such edits, particularly as they relate to race and gender representation. Erivo, a prominent Black actress in a predominantly white industry, highlights the need for sensitivity and respect in portrayals of marginalized groups.
In response to the backlash from fans and critics alike, it is crucial for media creators to consider the ramifications of their edits. The discussion around Erivo’s experience serves as a reminder that public figures, regardless of their fame, deserve the same level of respect and dignity as anyone else.
Cynthia Erivo criticises ‘offensive’ edit of Wicked poster
Wicked, which tackles themes of acceptance and understanding, remains a significant cultural phenomenon, and the controversy surrounding its promotional materials only adds to the anticipation for the film’s release. As fans look forward to experiencing the beloved musical story on the big screen, Erivo’s passionate defense of her portrayal as Elphaba emphasizes the importance of authenticity and representation in all forms of media.
With the film set to premiere soon, it will be interesting to see how the dialogue surrounding these issues evolves and whether it influences broader practices in marketing and media representation in the future. The impact of Erivo’s statements may lead to increased scrutiny of how artists are portrayed and respected in promotional materials, paving the way for more thoughtful and considerate representations in the entertainment industry.
