Following her Academy Award nomination, actress Cynthia Erivo has garnered attention for her striking clean-shaven look, which she showcased at the Oscars on Sunday. The bold hairstyle, which has sparked both admiration and online debate, was a deliberate choice Erivo made in preparation for her role as Elphaba in the highly anticipated film adaptation of Wicked.
The Reason Behind Cynthia Erivo’s Bald Look
Erivo explained in an interview with Vanity Fair that she decided to shave her head before filming began to enhance the transformation into her green-skinned character. The move not only created a more seamless look but also made the hours-long makeup application process—requiring green body paint, prosthetics, and wigs—more efficient for the film’s makeup artists.
Although the initial decision was practical, Erivo has since embraced the look. “I would love to do that again,” she told the magazine, highlighting how the style has grown on her over time.
A Box Office Smash for Wicked
Since its release in November, Wicked has shattered records, becoming the highest-grossing Broadway musical adaptation in cinematic history. By February, the film had amassed over $728 million in global box office sales, according to Billboard.
The excitement surrounding Wicked was further amplified during Sunday’s Academy Awards when Erivo and co-star Ariana Grande took the stage to perform a stunning rendition of Defying Gravity.
When Will the Wicked Sequel Be Released?
Fans won’t have to wait long for the next chapter. The sequel, titled Wicked: For Good, is set to hit theaters on November 21. Director Jon M. Chu revealed that the film was split into two parts due to the complexity of adapting the Broadway musical into a single feature-length movie.
“We decided to give ourselves a bigger canvas and make not just one Wicked movie but two! With more space, we can tell the story as it was meant to be while bringing even more depth and surprise to these beloved characters,” Chu explained in a 2022 statement.
With Erivo’s powerful performance, Wicked continues to leave an indelible mark on both Broadway and Hollywood, ensuring its legacy as one of the most celebrated musical adaptations of all time.
