Cynthia Erivo isn’t done with Oz just yet. After flying high as Elphaba in the record-breaking Wicked movie, the powerhouse actress and vocal LGBTQ+ advocate is stepping back into character to narrate the official audiobook of Gregory Maguire’s cult-favorite novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. Yes, the original queer-coded fantasy that started it all. And yes — she is making us cry again.
The award-winning actress and singer, who plays Elphaba in Universal Pictures’ two-part film adaptation of Wicked, will lend her voice to the upcoming audiobook release of Gregory Maguire’s beloved 1995 novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, Variety reported Monday.
Set to release on July 1, the audiobook marks a full-circle moment for Erivo, who has spent the past several years immersed in the world of Oz. The novel, a dark and politically charged reimagining of the classic Wizard of Oz story, serves as the original source material for both the hit Broadway musical and the big-screen films. It tells the story of Elphaba, the misunderstood girl born with emerald-green skin who would eventually become known as the Wicked Witch of the West.
In a statement released with the announcement, Erivo expressed deep personal resonance with the role. “I feel deeply connected to Elphaba. We have been on quite the journey together,” Erivo said. “And now I’m eager to begin an adventure with her whilst exploring the full world of Wicked and its myriad of other characters in the audiobook. I’m looking forward to bringing this incredible story to life in a new way for listeners, and I hope it resonates as deeply with them as I know it will with me.”
Revisiting the Origins
Gregory Maguire’s Wicked has captivated readers for nearly three decades with its exploration of power, prejudice, and identity. Set in the land of Oz long before Dorothy’s arrival, the novel follows Elphaba from childhood through adulthood as she grapples with being labeled an outcast in a society that fears difference.
The story delves into themes of political unrest, discrimination, and moral complexity, offering a far more nuanced portrait of Oz than audiences remember from the 1939 film. It was this rich, layered material that inspired the acclaimed 2003 Broadway musical starring Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth — and later, the two-part cinematic adaptation directed by Jon M. Chu.
Erivo’s return to Maguire’s text as narrator brings added depth to the character she’s already portrayed on screen. Fans of the book and musical alike are expected to welcome this unique opportunity to hear Elphaba’s inner voice interpreted by an actress who has embodied her so completely.
An Unforgettable Transformation
Erivo’s commitment to the role of Elphaba has been widely praised. During a screening of Wicked on December 12, 2024, the British-born actress revealed the intense physical and emotional preparation required to portray the iconic character.
To prepare for the film’s demanding stunts — including flying scenes that relied on wire work — Erivo began training months in advance, focusing on core strength and endurance. On set, her days often started before dawn.“I had never flown before. I just knew I wanted to,” she said. “And that requires your core to be the strongest you could possibly be, because the wires will take you from one place to another.”
Her mornings would start with rigorous workouts, followed by two hours in the makeup chair to apply the character’s signature green complexion before the crew’s 5 a.m. call time. “No days were small,” Erivo added. “There were no small days. None.”
A Lasting Impact
Erivo’s physical transformation extended beyond makeup. She made the bold decision to shave her head for the role — a move she described as both freeing and vulnerable.
Speaking at an event earlier this month, she recalled the moment she removed Elphaba’s green paint after filming wrapped and saw her bare scalp. “I felt vulnerable when there was nothing there,” she said. “But I ended up loving it. I felt more in my body, in myself.”
Erivo’s dedication to the role didn’t stop when the cameras did. She and her co-star Ariana Grande, who portrays Glinda, got matching tattoos on their palms featuring the phrase “For Good,” a reference to the emotional duet sung by the characters in the musical. Director Jon M. Chu, who helms both Wicked films, praised the pair for their commitment, calling them “hardcore” for how deeply they connected with their roles and the film’s enduring message.
A Franchise Built on Legacy
The first installment of the Wicked film, released on November 22, 2024, received widespread acclaim, earning multiple accolades including two Academy Awards and a Golden Globe. The film reimagined the beloved Broadway production with stunning visual effects, elaborate musical numbers, and nuanced performances from its lead cast.
The sequel, Wicked: For Good, is scheduled for release on November 21, 2025. It is expected to explore the latter half of Elphaba and Glinda’s intertwined journeys, concluding the saga that has enchanted fans for decades.
As anticipation builds for the second film, Erivo’s narration of the original novel offers audiences a fresh way to experience the Wicked universe. The audiobook provides new depth and context to Elphaba’s character, voiced by someone who has lived, breathed, and quite literally flown in her shoes.
With this latest project, Erivo continues to redefine what it means to bring a character to life — not just on screen, but through every medium she touches.
