Cynthia asked the director, Jon M. Chu, if they could “reimagine” Elphaba’s traditionally long, wavy hair as micro braids in the movie.

The Harriet star is only the second Black woman to portray the Wicked Witch of the West from the Wizard of Oz universe, following Alexia Khadime who held the role in the West End production of Wicked from 2008-2010 and later in 2023.

How and why did the kind-hearted, smart and green Elphaba Thropp become such a nasty, powerful, dare we say wicked witch of the classic tale “The Wizard of Oz”? The big-screen adaptation of the Broadway musical “Wicked ” uses subtle nuances to hint at Elphaba’s growing powers, but also nod to Black women.

The Black actor is defending herself after hearing of "conversations" about her "getting this role as a 'woke hire.'"

As a Black queer woman, the opportunity to bring Elphaba to life was the gift of a lifetime,' she said at the Critics Choice Association's Celebration of Black Cinema & Television

Cynthia Erivo explains why she chose for her "Wicked" character to have micro-braids, using the hairstyle to honor Black women.

Cynthia Erivo had one request when it came to Elphaba’s hair. Erivo, 37, opened up about the micro braids she donned while playing Elphaba in Wicked, while chatting with Variety on Tuesday7. While other actresses who played Elphaba wore their hair in black waves,

Wicked star Cynthia Erivo suggested one change to Elphaba's look for the movie adaptation that honored not only herself but all Black women.