Aside from shaving her head and eyebrows, Cynthia Erivo underwent other physical transformations on the set of Wicked as well. One of the most notable changes was the extensive use of green body paint to transform her into the iconic character of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West.
According to makeup and hair designer Frances Hannon, the process of applying the green body paint was time-consuming and required meticulous attention to detail. The amount of paint used varied depending on the scene, but Erivo spent several hours each day in the makeup chair to achieve the desired look.
In an exclusive interview with People, Hannon explained the process of stenciling a specific eyebrow design for Erivo, as she had shaved her eyebrows for the role. “We used eyebrow stencils because Cynthia shaves her eyebrows,” Hannon revealed. “I worked out the best shape and had them all bespoke made.”
Erivo’s commitment to embodying the character of Elphaba extended beyond her shaved head and eyebrows. The combination of the bald look, green body paint, and intricate makeup transformations allowed Erivo to fully immerse herself in the role, bringing the beloved character to life on the big screen.
As audiences eagerly anticipate the release of Wicked and its sequel Wicked: For Good, Cynthia Erivo’s dedication to her craft and willingness to undergo physical transformations for her roles continue to showcase her versatility and talent as an actress.
Before filming even began, Cynthia Erivo, who plays Elphaba in the upcoming film adaptation of “Wicked,” underwent several “green tests” with the makeup team to find the perfect shade of green for her skin. In an interview with Vanity Fair in 2024, Erivo revealed that some shades of green simply didn’t work for her character.
“We tried some alien-esque greens that were just too extreme,” she said. The team experimented with various shades until they found one that had a “highlighter-yellow undertone,” which looked the most natural on camera. Erivo explained that this particular shade read like skin on her brown complexion, making it the ideal choice for her transformation into Elphaba.
In addition to the green body paint, Erivo also wore a wig, colored contact lenses, and lipstick to complete her character’s look. The attention to detail in finding the perfect shade of green and coordinating all aspects of the costume highlights the dedication and precision that went into bringing the iconic character of Elphaba to life on screen.
As production for “Wicked” continues, fans can look forward to seeing Cynthia Erivo’s portrayal of Elphaba and the stunning visual transformation that brings the beloved character from stage to screen. With the right shade of green and a team of talented makeup artists, Erivo is sure to captivate audiences with her performance in this highly anticipated film adaptation.
