Cynthia Erivo Addresses Controversy Over Elphaba’s Cardigan in “Wicked”

The star of “Wicked,” Cynthia Erivo, recently clarified discussions surrounding her character Elphaba’s striking gray cardigan, designed by Paul Tazewell. This garment has sparked a mix of admiration and confusion among fans since the film’s release. The cardigan plays a pivotal role during the romantic duet “As Long As You’re Mine,” where Elphaba and Fiyero, portrayed by Jonathan Bailey, explore their deepening feelings for one another.

At a special event hosted by Airbnb and Universal, Erivo expressed her intent behind the cardigan’s design and its presentation in the film. She emphasized that the goal was to depict Elphaba’s vulnerability rather than reduce her to a mere sexual object.

Exploring Elphaba’s Vulnerability

During the duet, the characters share tender moments, characterized by subtle physical interactions and meaningful glances. Erivo noted that the cardigan, combined with the delicate black lingerie underneath, symbolizes Elphaba’s emotional exposure. She explained, “The idea was to shoot the song with all of her armor on, with the hat and the coat and the cape. And I thought a couple of things. One, why, if she was in a space that was her own, where she felt the most safe and comfortable, would she still be in her armor?”

The film offers a rare glimpse of Elphaba’s full identity, showcasing her green skin as more than just makeup. Erivo wanted audiences to see a softer, more human side of her character, reflecting the internal struggles she faces. “All I really wanted was for everyone to see her as someone vulnerable, soft, sometimes awkward and anxious,” she added.

Breaking Down Emotional Moments

A critical moment in the duet occurs when Elphaba rebuffs Fiyero’s compliment about her beauty. Erivo explained that this reaction stems from Elphaba’s past experiences, stating, “When she says to him, ‘Don’t lie to me,’ I think she means it. There’s no reason for her to believe him when he calls her beautiful. No one else has ever called her that. Nobody, except for Glinda.”

In response to the ongoing discourse regarding the cardigan, Erivo reiterated her aim to present Elphaba as a multi-dimensional character. “I just wanted to present an opportunity to see this character where everybody, at this point in the film, have seen Elphaba as the strong, fighting woman who is the Wicked Witch as someone who could actually, when on her own, be the opposite,” she said.

Erivo clarified that the intention behind the cardigan was to reveal a more intimate side of Elphaba, emphasizing that this portrayal does not compromise her strength or character. “The aim was not to turn her into a sexual object, but instead a softer human being worthy of being loved and having an intimate moment with someone,” she concluded.

As discussions about Elphaba’s cardigan continue, Erivo’s insights provide a deeper understanding of the character’s complexity and the creative choices made in “Wicked.” The film, which seeks to reinvent familiar narratives, challenges audiences to reconsider their perceptions of strength and vulnerability in its characters.