Cynthia Erivo Explains Why It Was So Important For Elphaba To Have Micro Braids In 'Wicked'

In an interview with Variety, actor Cynthia Erivo opened up about how she inspired her Wicked character Elphaba's look in the film to have "something more connected to the person underneath," drawing attention to the subtle details that not only hint at Elphaba’s emerging powers but also pay homage to Black women.

Wicked tells the story of Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande) as college roommates, long before the events depicted in the classic The Wizard of Oz.

In the film, Elphaba’s journey begins with her birth, marked by her green skin. As she grows up, she faces rejection from her family and, as a young woman, begins to uncover her magical abilities.

Hair played a crucial role for Erivo in bringing the character to life. Traditionally, on stage, Elphaba’s hair was long, black, and wavy. However, Erivo wanted something that felt more personal and connected to her own identity. She felt it was important not only to honor herself but also to pay tribute to Black women, giving them something to relate to.

She said:

“I asked if we could reimagine that hair as micro braids because I knew you’d still have the movement, and you could still have the length, but there was a texture that was slightly different to what you would normally see on stage, and it was a direct connection between me as a Black woman and Elphaba as a green lady."

Elphaba's micro braids were one of the ways Erivo made sure her character was "connected to the person underneath, me." Additionally, Elphaba's long nails were a reflection of Erivo's own.

Erivo discussed Elphaba's nails with director Jon M. Chu, explaining that she’s been sporting her signature long nails since she was 16. She also pointed out a photo of Margaret Hamilton, the Wicked Witch from the 1939 The Wizard of Oz, displayed at the Academy Museum, noting that Hamilton "has a full set of long nails."

Those who have already seen the film will note that as Elphaba’s magical powers grow stronger, so does her confidence and self-assurance. In the early scenes, her lips match the green hue of her skin, and her nails are subtle. By the film’s conclusion, her lips become bolder, and her nails evolve into a striking and memorable feature of her appearance, much like Erivo’s own nails in her everyday life.

Wicked’s makeup, hair, and prosthetic designer, Frances Hannon, also acknowledged Erivo's contributions:

“The green never changed, but the strength of her lips, her eyes, and the nails do. And that came from Cynthia.”

Many praised Erivo's commitment and sensitivity toward the character.

Erivo's performance has been hailed as among the best of the year and she has already nabbed numerous nominations from critics groups. She recently scored a nomination for a Golden Globe and is among those likely to be nominated by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) for Best Actress during next month's announcement ahead of the 2025 Academy Awards.

The Sundance Institute announced Wednesday that Erivo has been chosen to receive the Visionary Award at the festival’s “Celebrating Sundance Institute” gala in Deer Park, Utah, on January 24.

Erivo said the award “fills me with immense gratitude.” She added that Sundance “has always been a sanctuary for bold voices and transformative narratives, and to be a part of and recognized by this incredible community is deeply meaningful.”