Cynthia Erivo, who stars as Elphaba in the prequel to The Wizard of Oz, opened up about the demanding schedule while filming Wicked, admitting she sacrificed sleep to give her all for the role.
During a screening and Q&A at the Academy Museum in Los Angeles on December 12, Erivo, 37, explained that her intense routine required both physical and mental dedication. She shared that she consciously seeks roles that challenge her body and mind, saying, "The body and the mind are intrinsically linked. Sometimes the body tells the mind what to do, and sometimes the mind tells the body what to do."
However, Erivo admitted that the demands of her role made her question whether pushing herself so hard was "healthy." While filming Wicked, she would often sleep for less than three hours a night. She described her daily routine, which included a two-hour workout followed by up to two hours in the makeup chair before her 5 a.m. call time. This was necessary to prepare for the physically demanding stunts, particularly the flying sequences that required intense core strength.
“I had never flown before, but I knew I wanted to," she said. "It requires your core to be as strong as possible because the wires will take you from one place to another."
Erivo worked closely with stunt coordinator Jo McLaren to ensure she was physically ready for the challenging wirework, which involved intricate movements while suspended in the air. She learned techniques to manage the physical strain, including using an infrared sauna blanket and seeing a therapist to help with bruising.
Her commitment to the role also meant living a monk-like lifestyle. “I don’t drink, smoke, or eat meat. I stay indoors and try to rest when I can,” she shared. Despite her rigorous routine, Erivo made the most of the few hours of sleep she got, ensuring they were of the highest quality.
The actress also described the challenge of unwinding after a full day on set, noting that it took about an hour and a half to remove her makeup, making it hard to relax after the intense day. "No days were small. There were no small days," she said.
Wicked: Part Two is scheduled for release on 26 November 2025.
Source: People Magazine
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