Cynthia Erivo, the acclaimed star of the upcoming film adaptation of Wicked, recently took to social media to express her outrage over an edited version of the movie’s poster. The fan-made image, which circulated widely on Instagram, sparked an intense reaction from the British actress, who described it as “the most offensive thing I have seen.”
The controversy erupted after the release of the official poster for Wicked, featuring Erivo as Elphaba alongside Ariana Grande as Glinda. While the original poster is a tribute to the beloved Broadway musical, a fan-edited version using AI altered the image in ways that deeply upset Erivo.
Erivo slammed fans for editing her latest movie poster. Credit: Jerod Harris/Getty/CinemaCon
The Original Poster vs. Fan-Edited Version
The official Wicked movie poster presents a powerful image of Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, looking directly at the camera with Grande’s Glinda whispering in her ear. The visual echoed the iconic Broadway artwork but with some noticeable differences, including Erivo’s eyes being visible as a key feature of the design. However, a fan-edited version aimed to more closely mimic the original Broadway poster, making several changes to the image.
Key Changes in the Fan-Made Edit
- Elphaba’s eyes are covered by the brim of her hat, concealing her direct gaze.
- Her lips are enhanced with a bold red color.
- The overall composition of the poster is altered to resemble the Broadway promotional art more closely.
While fans may have intended to pay homage to the musical, Erivo found the changes problematic. She saw the edits as more than just an innocent fan tribute.
Cynthia Erivo’s Response to the Edited Poster
Erivo didn’t hold back her feelings when she saw the altered image circulating online. Sharing the fan-edited poster on her Instagram Stories, she expressed her frustration in a candid statement, calling it “wild” and deeply offensive. She drew parallels to previous offensive incidents, including AI-generated content showing her in unflattering or fictional scenarios.
Her Reaction: ‘It Degrades Me’
“This is the wildest, most offensive thing I have seen, equal to that awful AI of us fighting,” Erivo wrote, referring to other harmful fan-created content. “None of this is funny. None of it is cute. It degrades me. It degrades us.”
Erivo went on to explain why the edit was hurtful on a personal level. “The original poster is an ILLUSTRATION. 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.” The actress emphasized that altering her face and hiding her eyes erased the intent and meaning behind the original poster, which was designed as an homage to the Broadway production, not a direct imitation.
The Fan Reaction: Divided Opinions
Erivo’s response to the fan edit triggered mixed reactions across social media. While some fans rushed to support her, understanding the emotional weight behind her message, others were less sympathetic.
Ariana Grande & Cynthia Erivo recreate the iconic ‘WICKED’ Broadway poster. pic.twitter.com/dl1eqFgEqK
— Pop Base (@PopBase) October 9, 2024
Criticism of Erivo’s Reaction
Some fans felt that Erivo was overreacting, especially considering the current global climate. Comments like “It’s not that deep girl. People are dying,” reflected a sentiment that the actress’s reaction was disproportionate to the situation. Others accused Erivo of being out of touch with reality, especially as the world grapples with more serious issues.
One fan on Instagram wrote, “You are a very privileged person. Picking fights with fans of Wicked over a fan-edited photo is in very poor taste, just weeks before the movie’s release.” Similar criticisms emerged on X (formerly Twitter), with users questioning her priorities.
Support for Erivo’s Stand
Despite the backlash, many fans defended Erivo’s right to voice her discomfort. Supporters argued that while the situation might seem trivial to some, it’s important to respect her feelings about how her image is portrayed, especially in such a personal project.
The actress released a statement on Instagram Stories. Credit: Gilbert Flores/Variety/Getty
“If you’re having any reaction to this other than ‘we’re sorry and we see you Cynthia’ then u are a part of the problem,” one user commented. Supporters pointed out that if another high-profile actress, like Ariana Grande, had expressed the same concerns, public sentiment might have been different.
The Broader Issue: The Ethics of Fan-Edits and AI
The Wicked poster controversy highlights a growing issue in the digital age: the ethics of fan-made edits and AI-generated content. While fans often create and share these images as tributes to the stars or shows they love, the unintended consequences can be harmful.
Erivo’s case shows how fan-made edits can blur the line between tribute and disrespect. When actors invest emotionally and creatively in their roles, changes that alter their intent or expression can feel deeply personal. The rise of AI tools has made it easier for fans to manipulate images, but this also opens up ethical questions about consent and respect for the original work and the people involved.
Cynthia Erivo’s Final Word: Setting the Record Straight
After addressing the fan edit, Erivo reposted the original Wicked poster, reminding fans of its intended meaning and significance. “Let me put this right here, to remind you and cleanse your palette,” she wrote, doubling down on her desire to have her portrayal of Elphaba respected.
Credit: Instagram
Though Erivo disabled comments on her Instagram post, the conversation has continued across other platforms, with fans debating whether her response was justified or overly sensitive. The upcoming release of Wicked adds to the tension, as both Erivo and Grande prepare for the highly anticipated film adaptation.
Conclusion: Respecting Artistic Intent
The debate surrounding Cynthia Erivo’s response to the fan-edited Wicked poster serves as a reminder that even well-intentioned fan tributes can have unintended consequences. As digital tools make it easier for fans to interact with and alter media, the importance of respecting artistic intent—and the individuals behind those creations—becomes even more crucial.
As the release of Wicked approaches, the spotlight will continue to shine on both Erivo and her co-star Ariana Grande. While fan enthusiasm is always welcomed, it’s clear that actors like Erivo are asking for one thing: respect for their craft, their image, and their voice.
The Wicked movie is set to hit theaters on November 22. Whether you agree with Cynthia Erivo’s stance or not, her dedication to her role as Elphaba and her insistence on being seen as she intended certainly leave an impact.
