Cynthia Erivo Reveals How Margaret Hamilton’s Wizard Of Oz Character Inspired Her Portrayal Of Elphaba In Wicked

As a dedicated follower of the enchanting world of cinema and theater, I must confess that Cynthia Erivo’s dedication to her craft, as evident in her portrayal of Elphaba in Wicked, has left me utterly spellbound. Her profound appreciation for Margaret Hamilton’s iconic portrayal of the Wicked Witch in The Wizard of Oz is a testament to her respect for the legacy that precedes her.


Cynthia Erivo, the actress playing Elphaba in the forthcoming musical Wicked, drew inspiration from Margaret Hamilton’s portrayal of the Wicked Witch in The Wizard of Oz. In a conversation with Entertainment Weekly, Erivo confessed that Hamilton’s groundbreaking role served as a significant reference point for her during the film’s preparation process.

In the iconic 1939 movie version of L. Frank Baum’s novel, the character who played the Wicked Witch broke new ground with her performance, establishing a standard for the witch’s portrayal in following years. Prior to this depiction, the character from the book was typically represented as being rather hag-like.

Hamilton focused on the green hue that defined the witch’s essence, making her an outcast among her fellow beings. Additionally, she adopted the classic elements like the cackle, black attire, and pointed hat to embody the witch’s appearance. Yet, it was a small yet meaningful detail that touched Erivo’s heart.

Upon my return, I noticed something I hadn’t before – the image of the black and white silhouette with her claws. It was then that I understood, ‘Ah, she has nails.’ This detail struck me as something I could incorporate into her appearance,” the actress shared. As a child, this feature eluded her recognition, but once she noticed it, she grew fond of it.

Moreover, Erivo showcased her exceptional nail artistry during the entire Wicked press tour and at various red carpet events. On the Sentimental Men podcast, she shared insights about the conception and design of Elphaba’s unique nail styles.

 

She asked, “‘From where does this originate? How can we integrate it into her identity as if it were a natural part of her genetic makeup?’

After going through a detailed discussion and exploring different ideas, they settled on “just an extension of the green.” She also teased that Elphaba’s nail shade changes as she evolves in the film. “I had Margaret Hamilton’s imagery. It’s really nice to find pieces of those things to create something and then add my own thing to it,” she added. 

Wicked will be released in theaters on November 22. 

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2024-11-21 20:37