Transforming Cynthia Erivo into the iconic green character Elphaba for the upcoming Wicked films presented a unique set of challenges for two talented make-up artists who dedicated three hours to achieve the perfect look. Alice Jones and Olivia Jerrard, who have been working on both Wicked and its sequel, Wicked: For Good, faced the daunting task of ensuring that the green makeup appeared "natural" on set. The filming locations spanned Sky Studios Elstree in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, and Ivinghoe, Buckinghamshire, with production taking place from December 2022 to January 2024.
The character of Elphaba, famously known as the Wicked Witch of the West, was brought to life in a new way in these films. This character was originally made famous by Margaret Hamilton's portrayal in the classic 1939 movie The Wizard of Oz.
Alice Jones, 33, from Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, recounted her experience, stating, "On the first day, Erivo was surrounded by a bright pink set. Everything around her was pink, which made me turn to Olivia and exclaim, 'She looks so green... is this too green?'" Such moments highlight the delicate balance they had to strike between vibrant color and visual coherence on set.
The day started early for the duo, with their alarms ringing at 3:00 AM to ensure they had ample time to prepare Erivo for her role. Their meticulous process included hiding the actress's tattoos and piercings, followed by the careful layering of various shades of green, complemented by airbrushing techniques and body painting. With multiple elements like makeup, prosthetics, wigs, and nails needing simultaneous application, they likened their work to a game of "Twister," where coordination was key.
Jones explained the artistic approach taken for the two films: "In the first part, we aimed for Cynthia to embody a bright-eyed innocence. Conversely, the second part delves into a darker narrative. Her character evolves into a more powerful and mature version of herself, and we wanted the makeup to reflect that transformation, embodying her power and complexity through darker tones."
Olivia Jerrard, 32, from Marlow, Buckinghamshire, also highlighted the technical challenges they faced. She noted, "Cynthia has 25 piercings in her ears, and it was crucial to conceal them for filming. Removing and reapplying them daily would have been too cumbersome, so we had to find innovative ways to work around them." Jerrard acknowledged the intricacies involved in applying prosthetics over existing piercings, revealing the level of skill required for such a task.
Although the role of Elphaba has been portrayed many times on stage, Jones firmly believes that Erivo brings a fresh and iconic essence to the character. "Cynthia has introduced new elements that haven’t been seen before, like the micro braided wig and the striking nails."
Despite the seriousness of filmmaking, where timing is critical and every minute counts, both artists emphasized the rewarding atmosphere. Jerrard elaborated, "On set, there’s a lot at stake for different departments. We want to keep things moving without disrupting Cynthia's performance or delaying the camera crew."
Their journey into the Wicked project began uniquely for each artist. Jones was invited to join the team after collaborating with Erivo on an independent film in Greece, while Jerrard was initially engaged in testing make-up for munchkin characters before being brought on board for prosthetics.
Reflecting on the evolution of film productions, Jones remarked, "It used to feel like working on major Hollywood films was just a dream. Now, so many are being shot around London, giving us incredible opportunities right in our backyard."
Jerrard expressed awe at the transformation of locations, particularly Ivinghoe, where a farm was converted into settings like Munchkinland and the Emerald City almost overnight, saying, "The Emerald City was erected so quickly; one moment it wasn’t there, and the next, it was fully realized."
After facing industry-wide strikes, the team returned with eagerness, especially since they hadn’t yet filmed the pivotal scene of "Defying Gravity." Jerrard added that despite the sacrifices made by those working behind the scenes, the emotional rewards derived from fans' reactions to the film are substantial. "The commitment in the film industry is immense. We pour countless hours into our work, sacrificing much, and it's not only about the recognition for our artistry; it's deeply tied to the sacrifices we make. That emotional connection makes it all the more fulfilling."
This behind-the-scenes glimpse into the making of Wicked reveals not just the effort that goes into creating a beloved character but also offers insight into the collaborative spirit of filmmaking. What do you think about the challenges faced by the creative teams behind iconic roles? Do you believe that makeup can significantly alter the perception of a character? Share your thoughts below!
