When news broke that Cynthia Erivo shaved her head for her role as Elphaba in the highly anticipated Wicked movie adaptation, fans and media outlets alike were intrigued. The transformation sparked curiosity: Why Is Cynthia Erivo Bald? It’s a bold move, even for Hollywood, especially for such an iconic character as the Wicked Witch of the West. However, Erivo’s decision wasn’t just about making headlines; it was a deeply considered choice rooted in character commitment and the pursuit of on-screen perfection for Elphaba’s mesmerizing look.
Embracing Elphaba: Why Cynthia Erivo Shaved Her Head for Authenticity
In the world of Broadway’s Wicked, Elphaba’s journey is visually marked by changes in costumes and, notably, wigs, as she evolves from an ostracized student to the powerful Wicked Witch of the West. The stage production skillfully uses these elements to narrate her transformation. For the cinematic rendition, Cynthia Erivo was determined to take this visual storytelling to a new level of authenticity.
Instead of relying on traditional methods like hairnets to manage her hair under wigs and makeup, Erivo made the powerful decision to shave her head completely. This wasn’t a superficial choice; it was a profound commitment to the character, ensuring that the transition to Elphaba’s iconic green skin and hairline would be seamless and utterly convincing on the big screen.
Erivo herself playfully described her new look to Vanity Fair, stating she resembled “Green-scalp Cynthia. Like a little bald green lady.” Far from being bothered by the dramatic change, Erivo embraced it wholeheartedly, even expressing her willingness to repeat the experience. This reveals not only her dedication to the role but also her adventurous spirit and willingness to push boundaries for her art.
The Green Transformation: Hours in Makeup for a Flawless Elphaba
Becoming Elphaba is not an overnight transformation. Cynthia Erivo underwent an extensive makeup process to achieve the character’s signature green skin. She revealed that the application could take anywhere from three to four hours each day. A standard session focusing on her head, neck, and hands required approximately two hours and 45 minutes to three hours. Full body application, essential for certain scenes, extended the process to around four hours.
The quest for the perfect shade of green was also a significant undertaking. The makeup team experimented with various tones to find one that harmonized flawlessly with Erivo’s natural skin tone and would translate effectively on film. Erivo humorously recounted some less successful attempts, mentioning “alien-esque ones that were just too far,” highlighting the meticulous effort involved in crafting Elphaba’s iconic appearance.
A Tale of Two Witches: Erivo and Grande’s Bond on the Wicked Set
While Elphaba and Glinda, played by Ariana Grande, begin as rivals in Wicked, their journey evolves into a complex and profound friendship. This dynamic required Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande to forge a genuine connection off-screen to authentically portray the nuances of their characters’ relationship, especially during emotionally taxing scenes.
Grande shared with Vanity Fair their commitment to open communication, stating, “We communicated like the f***ing champions of communication of the world. I’m so grateful for it because we kind of looked at this and we said, ‘Oh, that’s not an option. That’s not going to happen to us.’” This proactive approach ensured that any potential on-set tensions arising from demanding scenes would be navigated with mutual understanding and support.
Erivo echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the necessity of a “real connection” rooted in “love” to navigate even the most “fraught with tension” moments within the narrative. This strong bond proved crucial during challenging scenes, such as the black hat scene where Elphaba is publicly ridiculed. Erivo described experiencing a “big old breakdown” during repeated takes of this scene, and highlighted Grande’s supportive presence, giving her the space and comfort needed to process the emotional intensity.
Wicked Split in Two: Unveiling the Epic Story
Fans of Wicked might be aware that the movie adaptation is not a single film but will be released in two parts. Songwriter Stephen Schwartz clarified that this decision stemmed from the sheer scope and depth of the Wicked narrative. Initially, there were attempts to condense the story into one long movie, but this approach presented significant challenges.
Schwartz explained in The Schwartz Scene newsletter that a single movie format would necessitate “cutting or omitting things that we wanted to include and that we think fans of the show and the story will appreciate.” Furthermore, the iconic musical number “Defying Gravity” posed a structural problem. As Schwartz noted, the song is inherently designed as a “curtain down” moment, and placing any scene immediately after it without intermission felt “hugely anti-climactic.”
Therefore, the decision to create two Wicked movies was driven by a desire to honor the source material, provide a richer cinematic experience for fans, and maintain the dramatic integrity of the musical’s structure. Wicked Part One is set to premiere on November 22, 2024, with Wicked Part Two following on November 21, 2025.
In conclusion, Cynthia Erivo’s decision to shave her head for Wicked, addressing the question of why is Cynthia Erivo bald, is a testament to her profound dedication to the role of Elphaba. It underscores her commitment to authenticity and visual perfection, enhancing the immersive experience for audiences worldwide. Combined with a grueling makeup process and a strong collaborative spirit with her co-star Ariana Grande, Erivo’s transformation into Elphaba promises to be a truly unforgettable cinematic portrayal.
