Imagine spending three hours every day turning a talented actress into a vibrant green icon—only to worry if it looks too green. That’s the challenge two makeup artists faced while transforming Cynthia Erivo into Elphaba for the highly anticipated Wicked films. But here’s where it gets fascinating: their goal wasn’t just to make her green—it was to make her believably green, ensuring the look felt natural on screen. And this is the part most people miss: achieving that balance required layering tones, airbrushing, and even concealing Erivo’s 25 ear piercings—all while coordinating prosthetics, wigs, and nails in a process they jokingly called ‘makeup Twister.’
Alice Jones and Olivia Jerrard, the masterminds behind Erivo’s transformation, worked tirelessly on Wicked and Wicked: For Good, filmed across Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire from December 2022 to January 2024. Their days began at 3 a.m., a testament to the dedication required to bring Elphaba’s iconic green complexion to life—a look immortalized by Margaret Hamilton’s portrayal in the 1939 classic The Wizard of Oz. But here’s the twist: while Hamilton’s version was groundbreaking, Erivo’s Elphaba is redefining the character for a new generation, thanks to unique touches like micro-braided wigs and statement nails.
‘On the first day, Cynthia was on this bright pink set,’ recalls Jones. ‘Everything was pink—except her. I turned to Olivia and asked, “Is this too green?”’ It’s a question that highlights the fine line between iconic and over-the-top, a line these artists walked every day. But here’s where it gets controversial: as the story progresses from innocence to darkness, the makeup had to evolve too. For Part Two, Elphaba’s look becomes more intense, reflecting her character’s maturity and power. Some fans might argue this darker tone strays too far from the original—what do you think?
Behind the scenes, the process was anything but simple. Jerrard, who usually works on prosthetics, had to conceal Erivo’s piercings without removing them daily—a task she describes as ‘fiddly.’ Meanwhile, Jones, who joined the team after working with Erivo in Greece, marveled at the transformation of Ivinghoe’s farm into Munchkinland and the Emerald City. ‘One minute it wasn’t there, and then it was,’ she said, capturing the magic of filmmaking.
But here’s the real question: Is the sacrifice worth it? Jerrard reflects on the emotional toll of working in film, where long hours and personal sacrifices often go unnoticed. ‘It’s not just about the art,’ she says. ‘It’s about the dedication behind it.’ And that’s what makes projects like Wicked so rewarding—not just for the artists, but for the fans who’ve waited decades for this story. So, what’s your take? Does Erivo’s Elphaba live up to the hype, or does the new interpretation miss the mark? Let’s discuss in the comments!
