Cynthia Erivo, who will star as Elphaba in the long-awaited two-part film adaptation of Wicked. Here, she opens up about her thrilling creative partnership with co-star Ariana Grande. Erivo told stories of how their relationship has changed, for better or worse, at Canva’s “Uncharted” event held at SoFi Stadium. They emphasized how reigniting conversations around finances and their artistic process had empowered both their professional and personal lives.
Their bonding wasn’t limited to the set, clearly, as evidenced by this sweet exchange between them on Erivo’s Instagram. They held frank conversations about their contracts prior to shooting getting underway. Erivo said what was most important was honesty. As she remarked, “Understanding where we stand gives us the ability to walk into a room arm in arm and with tremendous power.” It was this foundation of trust that fostered a deeply collaborative spirit, one that brought out the best in their performances.
For Erivo, the experience of singing next to Grande proved to be completely cathartic. She even called it “a wee bit addictive” thanks to their powerful musical chemistry. She mentioned how their friendship organically developed behind-the-scenes, helping to create a safe space where they were able to uplift each other. “I’m on it! What do you need?” she recalled saying to Grande. This moment demonstrated the unique community support that characterized both their work and partnership.
The 15-years-plus friendship between the two has deepened their artistic connection to spiritual levels. In return, they pledge to eliminate all crying at future press junkets. “We can’t wait to get back on the road again,” Erivo expressed, playfully acknowledging their tendency to become sentimental in public appearances. Grande jumped in with a teasing response, “Well, we do have our tissues packed already.”
Erivo told NPR that a key to their preparation was vulnerability and active listening on both her part and Grande’s. This personal connection was hugely effective at driving demand for their shows. She added, “If you’re doing that simultaneously on both sides, that’s when anything actually becomes possible.” This, of course, lends credence to the notion that their relationship enhances their collaborative prowess.
The pair’s dedication to honest dialogue helped them tackle the difficulties that come with their positions and continue to build trust with one another. As they prepared to take the film to CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas, Erivo reflected on their incredible relationship with director Jon M. Chu and producer Marc Platt. This new connection sparked by their own common paths has significantly enhanced both their professional journeys and personal camaraderie.