Transforming Cynthia Erivo into the iconic green character Elphaba for the upcoming Wicked films was no small feat, according to two talented make-up artists who dedicated three hours to perfecting the look. Alice Jones and Olivia Jerrard, who worked on both Wicked and its sequel, Wicked: For Good, faced significant challenges in ensuring that the make-up maintained a "natural" appearance amidst the bright colors of the set.
Filming took place at Sky Studios Elstree in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, and in Ivinghoe, Buckinghamshire, over a production period from December 2022 to January 2024. The character of Elphaba, famously known as the Wicked Witch of the West, was originally brought to life by Margaret Hamilton in the beloved 1939 film The Wizard of Oz, and now Erivo is set to give her own unique spin on this legendary role.
Jones, 33, from Beaconsfield, Bucks, shared her initial reaction upon seeing Erivo on the vividly pink set: "On the first day, she's [Erivo] surrounded by this bright pink backdrop. Everything else is pink, but here stands Cynthia, and I thought to Olivia, 'Is she looking too green?'”
The duo’s daily routine began as early as 3 AM to ensure they arrived on set in time to start the elaborate transformation process. Their work involved not only applying layers of green makeup but also carefully concealing Erivo's tattoos and piercings while airbrushing various shades of green across her body.
Jones described the hectic scene as akin to a game of "Twister," given that they had to coordinate the application of Erivo’s make-up, prosthetics, wig, and nails all at once. She elaborated, "For the first part of the film, we wanted to capture that bright-eyed innocence of Cynthia's character. However, the second part delves into a much darker narrative, reflecting a more mature and powerful version of Elphaba. The darkness in the makeup symbolizes her journey towards empowerment and depth."
Jerrard, 32, from Marlow, Bucks, also detailed the complexities of the job, noting that Erivo has 25 piercings in her ears, all of which required careful concealment during filming. "Removing and re-inserting them daily felt too cumbersome, so we had to find a way to apply the prosthetics without taking them out," she explained.
While Elphaba’s role has been portrayed many times on stage, Jones emphasized that Erivo is establishing her own iconic version of the character. "Cynthia has introduced unique elements to her portrayal, such as the micro-braided wig and striking nails, which are fresh additions to how Elphaba has been represented before."
The atmosphere on set can be quite serious, as there is a lot at stake for the various departments involved. As Jerrard noted, "You want to ensure that everything runs smoothly—you don’t want to delay camera operations or hold up Cynthia’s performance."
Having trained as a makeup artist over a decade ago, Jones was invited to join the Wicked team after collaborating with Erivo on an independent film in Greece. Meanwhile, Jerrard’s involvement began while she was conducting tests for the munchkin characters, which led to her being recruited for prosthetics work on the project.
Jones reflected on how the landscape of filmmaking has changed, saying, "It used to feel like big Hollywood productions were just a fantasy, but now, so many films are being shot right here in London. We’re fortunate that so many projects have shifted from America to our doorstep."
She continued, "The transformation of Ivinghoe into Munchkinland, Emerald City, and Shiz University was astonishing—it seemed like one moment it wasn’t there, and the next it was fully constructed. After the breaks due to the strikes, we hadn’t even managed to shoot the iconic song Defying Gravity yet, so returning to work felt like a breath of fresh air."
Jerrard expressed how rewarding it has been to see the fans' reactions to their work, stating, "Those of us in the film industry make significant sacrifices—we invest countless hours and forego personal time. It’s not solely about the final film; it’s about the dedication and effort that goes into creating it that truly resonates with us. That emotional connection adds another layer to our work."
In conclusion, the work behind the scenes of Wicked exemplifies the intricate artistry and dedication involved in bringing such beloved characters to life on screen. What are your thoughts on the evolution of iconic characters in film? Do you believe that new interpretations can enhance the legacy of original portrayals, or do they risk overshadowing them? Share your opinions in the comments!
