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Image Courtesy: People
WARNING! SPOILERS AHEAD!
Cynthia Erivo is reflecting on the emotional ending of 'Wicked: For Good', sharing her thoughts on the final moments of her character, Elphaba.
Speaking at the Elphaba's Wicked Retreat Airbnb Originals Experience event recently, the 38-year-old actress discussed how the film concludes with Elphaba staging her own melting death by hiding under a trap door. She and her lover, Fiyero, who has been transformed into straw, are shown walking into the sunset away from Oz. Before departing, Elphaba passes her Grimmerie spell book to a newly empowered Glinda, leading to a heartfelt reconciliation and a final reprise of the song 'For Good.'
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Image Courtesy: IMDb
Cynthia Erivo's Opinion on The Ending
Erivo explained that a key line from the song, in which Elphaba asks Glinda to see beyond appearances, carries multiple layers of meaning. It is both a guide for Glinda to understand the situation and a moment of comfort, reflecting the depth of their friendship. Erivo emphasised that the line demonstrates how Elphaba recognises that Glinda perceives the world differently from others, and that learning to accept those perspectives is essential for moving forward. She also noted that the line marks a moment of clarity for Elphaba herself, as she begins to embrace what comes next.
The movie's final scene includes a flashback to Elphaba and Glinda's college days, featuring a serene moment in a poppy field that mirrors the iconic imagery of the Broadway production. Cynthia Erivo revealed that she was unaware this scene would serve as the film's closing shot until she saw the finished movie, describing her surprise and delight. Director Jon M. Chu added that while he initially was uncertain where the scene would fit, he ultimately felt it created a beautiful and natural ending, capturing the intimacy of friendship.
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Image Courtesy: IMDb
Lessons Cynthia Erivo Took Away From Elphaba
During the Airbnb event, Cynthia Erivo also reflected on the broader lessons she took from portraying Elphaba. She highlighted the theme that appearances can be deceiving, and people are capable of growth and change, whether for better or worse, both of which are acceptable. She described filming the back-to-back movies as a long journey and expressed gratitude for the passionate support of fans and the conversations the films have sparked.
'Wicked: For Good' is currently playing in theatres, offering audiences a heartfelt conclusion to the two-part musical saga and showcasing Erivo's nuanced portrayal of Elphaba.
