Cynthia Erivo Slams Fan Edits of ‘Wicked’ Movie Poster as Hurtful

Cynthia Erivo, who plays Elphaba in the highly anticipated adaptation of “Wicked,” has spoken out against fan edits of the film’s poster, labeling them “deeply hurtful” and damaging to her portrayal of the character. The recent wave of memes and altered images has sparked a significant reaction from the actress, highlighting the challenges faced by those in the spotlight.

Earlier this month, fans began editing the promotional material for “Wicked,” which features Erivo looking ahead while Ariana Grande, portraying Glinda, leans in to whisper. Many took it upon themselves to recreate the iconic imagery from the original musical logo, where Glinda speaks into Elphaba’s ear while the green witch smirks, partially obscured by her signature pointed hat.

Some fans hailed these edits as improvements over the official film poster, arguing they captured the spirit of the musical more effectively. However, Erivo was quick to voice her discontent. In an Instagram story, she described the alterations as the “wildest, most offensive thing I have seen.”

Erivo emphasized that the official poster serves as an homage to the source material rather than an imitation. She stated, “To edit my face and hide my eyes is to erase me. And that is just deeply hurtful.”

In addition to the poster edits, Erivo condemned other fan-created content that circulated online. This included a crude meme joking about Elphaba’s anatomy and an AI-generated video depicting a fictional fight between the two actresses. “None of this is funny. None of this is cute,” she remarked. “It degrades me. It degrades us.”

Erivo’s concerns resonate beyond the realm of social media. They reflect a broader issue within the entertainment industry regarding representation and respect for artists. In an age where digital content can be manipulated and shared at lightning speed, the implications of such edits can be significant, particularly for performers striving to carve out their identities in iconic roles.

In a show of solidarity, Erivo, Grande, and “Wicked” film director Jon M. Chu all shared the official poster on their Instagram stories. Chu praised Erivo, declaring her to be his “superhero,” reinforcing the camaraderie and support among the cast as they approach the film’s release.

As the premiere of “Wicked” draws near, the buzz surrounding the film has been a mix of excitement and criticism. Fans have engaged in discussions about various elements of the film, including the marketing strategies that seem to downplay its musical origins. Many have noted that the trailers do not fully convey that the film is both a musical adaptation and only the first part of a planned two-part series, which will cover the musical’s first act and culminate in the powerful anthem “Defying Gravity.”

Scheduled to hit theaters on November 22, the first part of “Wicked” aims to bring the beloved story of Elphaba and Glinda to a new audience. The second installment is expected to follow in November 2025, creating anticipation for the continuation of this iconic tale.

Erivo’s candid remarks about the poster and fan interactions underscore the importance of recognizing the effort and artistry that actors put into their roles. As “Wicked” approaches its debut, it is clear that the journey to bring this beloved story to the big screen is fraught with both challenges and opportunities for connection with its audience.

In an era where artists often find their work scrutinized and altered, Erivo’s stance serves as a reminder of the need for respect and integrity in the portrayal of characters that resonate deeply with fans worldwide.