Cynthia Erivo, the multi-hyphenate powerhouse whose career has spanned from the heights of Broadway to the pinnacle of Hollywood, has once again taken center stage as the cover star for Variety’s "Power of Women London" edition. In an extensive dialogue with International Correspondent K.J. Yossman, Erivo reflects on the seismic shift her life has undergone following her portrayal of Elphaba in the cinematic adaptation of Wicked. The interview delves into the complexities of navigating global stardom, the psychological toll of public scrutiny, and the profound personal bonds formed under the intense pressure of a multi-million-dollar production. As Erivo prepares for a return to her theatrical roots in London’s West End with a new production of Dracula, she offers a rare, unfiltered look at the reality of being a Black woman in the upper echelons of the entertainment industry.
The Cinematic Journey of Wicked and the Weight of Public Perception
The journey to bring Wicked to the silver screen was one of the most anticipated and dissected production cycles in recent memory. Directed by Jon M. Chu, the project was eventually split into two parts to preserve the integrity of the original stage narrative and expand upon the lore of Oz. For Erivo, who had already secured a Tony, a Grammy, and a Daytime Emmy for her work in The Color Purple, the role of Elphaba represented both a career milestone and a significant emotional challenge.
During the Variety interview, Erivo addressed the disconnect between the public’s perception of the filming process and the lived reality of the cast. She noted a specific trend of "armchair psychology" that permeated social media during the production. "It’s very interesting, watching what people’s perception is versus what the reality actually is," Erivo remarked, noting that many observers felt entitled to diagnose the emotional states and motivations of the actors from afar. This scrutiny was particularly intense given the iconic nature of the source material and the high stakes involved in adapting a beloved musical for a global audience.
Erivo highlighted that the nature of her work requires a total immersion into a character, which can often lead the public to mistake the performer for the role. In the case of Wicked, the physical transformation—involving hours of green prosthetic application—served as a literal and metaphorical barrier. "Because I think sometimes, if I’m honest, people thought I was being myself, even though I was green," she explained. This confusion between the actress and the "Wicked Witch" underscores the success of her performance but also illustrates the difficulty of maintaining a private identity amidst such a pervasive public image.
A Bond Beyond the Screen: The Friendship with Ariana Grande
One of the most discussed aspects of the Wicked production was the relationship between Erivo and her co-star, Ariana Grande, who portrayed Glinda. From the moment the casting was announced, the chemistry between the two leads was a focal point for fans and critics alike. However, Erivo revealed that the public was often skeptical of the authenticity of their bond, perhaps conditioned by a cynical view of Hollywood "PR friendships."
Erivo was quick to dispel these notions, confirming that she and Grande remain incredibly close, texting almost every day. "I think that people didn’t really believe that we were actually friends," Erivo stated. She attributed this skepticism to a lack of public understanding regarding her personal character, noting that her loyalty is absolute: "If I’m a friend, then I’m a friend. If I’m not, then I’m not."
The friendship between the two stars reportedly served as an anchor during the long and often grueling filming schedule, which was extended due to various factors, including the 2023 industry strikes. The mutual support system they built allowed them to navigate the "storm in a teacup" that was the Wicked production cycle, ensuring that the emotional core of the film—the friendship between Elphaba and Glinda—was rooted in a genuine off-screen connection.
Breaking Barriers in Representation and Casting
A significant portion of the Variety feature focused on the cultural implications of the Wicked casting. In a landmark moment for mainstream cinema, both Erivo and her co-star Jonathan Bailey (who played Fiyero) are queer actors. Despite their personal identities, they portrayed the film’s central heterosexual romantic couple, a fact that Erivo views as a testament to the power of acting and a step forward for the industry.
"He and I had talked about it often, that the two of us could play these characters and be ostensibly two straight characters who are played by two queer people without any issue," Erivo shared. She emphasized that their shared identity did not hinder their ability to tell a story of "love and closeness," but rather added a layer of "special" resonance to their performances. This casting choice challenges long-standing industry biases regarding the "believability" of queer actors in straight roles and highlights the evolving landscape of Hollywood representation.
Furthermore, Erivo’s role as a Black woman leading a major fantasy franchise cannot be overstated. Throughout the interview, she touched upon the unique pressures faced by Black women in the industry, particularly when occupying spaces that have historically been exclusionary. Her portrayal of Elphaba—a character defined by her status as an outcast and her fight against systemic injustice—mirrors many of the real-world conversations surrounding race, identity, and the "power of women" that the Variety event seeks to celebrate.
The Prospect of a Third Wicked Film
With the two-part adaptation of Wicked set to conclude its theatrical run, rumors have inevitably surfaced regarding the possibility of a third installment. Fans of Gregory Maguire’s original novels know that the "Wicked Years" series continues well beyond the events of the musical, offering ample material for further exploration.
However, Erivo remains cautious about returning to the world of Oz. "It’s too soon to even begin to have the conversation about it," she told Variety. While she did not rule out the possibility entirely, she made it clear that any future project would need a compelling creative justification. "It would take a lot to get me back to do it. It has to make sense." For Erivo, the priority appears to be the quality and purpose of the storytelling rather than the mere extension of a successful franchise.
Returning to the West End: Reemerging through Dracula
As the "Wicked storm" begins to settle, Erivo is turning her attention back to the stage. At the beginning of 2026, she commenced rehearsals for a new production of Dracula on London’s West End. For Erivo, this move represents a "reemerging" and a chance to ground herself after years of high-profile film work.
"I guess it’s like a reemerging again, putting my feet back on the ground again," she said of her return to the London stage. While Wicked "beautifully changed" her life, the intensity of the experience was all-consuming. Returning to the theater—the medium where she first made her mark—allows her to reconnect with the immediate, visceral nature of live performance. The production of Dracula is expected to be a major cultural event in London, further cementing Erivo’s status as a versatile performer capable of moving seamlessly between mediums.
Industry Impact and the "Power of Women" Context
The Variety "Power of Women" honors serve as a platform to recognize women who have used their influence to drive change and support charitable causes. Erivo’s inclusion in the London cohort highlights her position as a leader in the British and international entertainment sectors. Her career trajectory—from a RADA-trained actress in London to an Oscar-nominated star in Los Angeles—serves as a blueprint for success in a globalized industry.
The broader implications of Erivo’s success are significant. At a time when the film industry is grappling with issues of diversity, equity, and the future of the movie musical, Erivo stands as a symbol of excellence and resilience. Her ability to command both the box office and the critical conversation ensures that her influence will be felt for years to come.
As the industry looks toward the remainder of 2026, the focus will remain on how stars like Erivo balance the demands of massive franchises with the desire for artistic fulfillment. Her transition from the "green" world of Elphaba to the Gothic shadows of Dracula marks the beginning of a new chapter in a career that has consistently defied expectations. Whether on screen or on stage, Cynthia Erivo continues to demonstrate that true power lies in the ability to remain authentic in the face of overwhelming public demand.
