Cynthia Erivo and the "deeply hurtful" fan edit of the Wicked poster

It has been one week since the release of a throwback recreation of the original Wicked poster. Imitating the stylized illustration by Dewynters PLC that has been in use since the San Francisco production in 2003. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, who play the witches of Oz in the upcoming film adaptation, share a confidence while text says to "Tell everyone." It's a wonderful way to both tie fans back to the history of the musical and make its mark on the enduring legacy with two extraordinary actresses. Yet one fan has decided to change all of that in a targeted way, and our Elphaba has strong feelings on the matter.

"The wildest, most offensive thing I have seen."

As this post reflects, the movie poster "is an homage not an imitation." It showcases the two individuals whose interpretation of Glinda and Elphaba is to be codified in cinematic history. Rather than depict the witches at some point in their careers, we see Glinda in the dress she wears as a powerful influence in The Wizard of Oz storyline and Elphaba in the costume she wears when first declaring herself independent of the Wizard's regime. It is a powerful image and a fitting update to the artwork for Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holtzman's famous collaboration.

In the version cited by The HollyWood Reporter, Ariana Grande's presentation as a powerful woman with an equally powerful secret is kept intact, but Cynthia Erivo is covered up so her eyes are covered and she retains the smirk of the illustration. Erivo's statement on this erasure is very compelling:

"I am a real life human being, who chose to look right down the barrel of the camera to you, the viewer...because, without words we communicate with our eyes."

Cyntia Erivo

In my opinion, she communicates both resolve in her path and the keen observation of the world she inhabits. There is nothing shrinking or secretive about this Elphaba and this is part of what makes Erivo such an excellent choice. She also points out that "to edit my face and hide my eyes is to erase me. And that is just deeply hurtful." It is no wonder that she stated unequivocally, "None of this is funny. None of it is cute. It degrades me. It degrades us."

This exciting production hits theaters on November 22 with Erivo's fierce and majestic version of the Wicked Witch on full display.