Cynthia Erivo’s Near Miss with Inexperienced Role in Depraved

In an exclusive interview with TooFab, lead make-up artist Frances Hannon shared her creative journey in preparing for the much-anticipated film adaptation of Wicked. She emphasized that her process began with the quest for the “perfect color” for Cynthia, ensuring it not only suited her but also complemented the production’s overall aesthetic.

“Finding a color that works well under various lighting conditions was essential, as the stage environment is highly dynamic,” Hannon elaborated during her conversation with TooFab. The makeup must perform well in different settings, enhancing the visual storytelling while allowing Cynthia’s character to shine throughout the production.

“Transitioning from indoor to outdoor scenes, and navigating through complete darkness were key challenges. We aimed to ensure Cynthia’s makeup would remain visible and impactful, regardless of the setting. This was the foundation of my process—achieving that reflective quality essential for her character,” she shared, reflecting on the complexities involved.

The iconic green skin of Elphaba stands out as a central visual element of Wicked — where the narrative intricately explores the journey of the future Wicked Witch of the West towards self-acceptance. Therefore, achieving the perfect hue was not just important, but absolutely crucial to the character’s portrayal and the overall storytelling.

On the big screen, viewers will witness Elphaba’s emotional journey, as tears stream down her face while she passionately performs powerful songs like “Defying Gravity.” Remarkably, not a trace of her makeup shifts, showcasing the skillful artistry behind her transformation.

“The makeup also needs to mimic real skin, which is a remarkable achievement. If you simply paint something on the surface without considering the underlying details and proper base, it inevitably appears artificial. Fortunately, our techniques worked brilliantly in this case,” Hannon expressed her pride in the team’s efforts and results.

She further explained that had they not found the right shade, they might have resorted to post-production alterations, but that was never the intention. The team’s commitment to authenticity was paramount.

“It was never Cynthia’s desire to take that route,” she revealed. “Fortunately, we discovered the perfect color and avoided the need for any post-production adjustments,” she added, emphasizing the successful collaboration between the actress and makeup team.

Conversely, the makeup design for Glinda, portrayed by Ariana Grande, was intentionally kept soft and natural, reflecting her character’s essence and persona throughout the film.

“I aimed to maintain a classical and timeless feel for Glinda’s look. My early inspirations came from the stunning costumes designed by Paul Tazewell, along with the timeless appeal embodied by Princess Kelly, who was a major influence during my childhood,” Hannon recalled. “We sought to incorporate elements of opulence and iridescence into Ariana’s makeup to ensure it reflected beautifully under stage lights, complementing the exquisite costumes that Paul designed. Given that Glinda is often shown with bare arms, it was essential for her makeup to enhance her natural beauty effectively.”

In preparing to bring the beloved Broadway characters to the cinematic experience, Wicked costume designer Paul Tazewell reflected on the origins of these characters, revisiting the iconic Wizard of Oz narratives.

“The original Wizard of Oz has profoundly influenced our visual and entertainment culture,” Tazewell shared with TooFab. “I delved into the original Wizard of Oz book and the classic 1930s movie to draw inspiration and weave those iconic elements into my visions for Wicked.

Ultimately, it was the creative vision of director Jon M. Chu that played a pivotal role in shaping Tazewell’s designs, balancing homage to the original story with a fresh perspective that resonates with current audiences.

“Jon led the way in crafting a unique perspective on how we wanted to tell this story. It’s challenging to honor the existing Wicked fan base and their expectations, as well as those who have connections to the Wizard of Oz or the original Broadway show. We hope that audiences feel invited to experience the story in a fresh and engaging manner,” Tazewell concluded.

Both Grande and Erivo were already well-established stars prior to securing these coveted roles they had long desired. However, it was crucial for Hannon to help the audience distinguish between the celebrities they knew and the characters they would be portraying on screen, ensuring a seamless transition into their respective roles.

“I conduct extensive research on every artist’s previous work — not just for this film but for all projects,” Hannon explained, highlighting her dedication to understanding the nuances of each performer’s craft.

“The goal is to bring something fresh and unique to each role. This is not only about following the script or the director’s vision, but also about ensuring that we do not overlap with what these artists have done before,” she continued, emphasizing the importance of originality in her work.

“With Ariana, it was easier to break away from her iconic ponytail style, while for Cynthia, the challenge lay in creating a unique look to complement her shaved head,” she added, highlighting the creative process involved in redefining their appearances.

Tazewell’s mood boards for the intricately designed costumes began with “iconic elements from the original film,” which then transitioned to stunning landscapes that captured the essence of the story’s fantastical world.

“Each costume, including Glinda’s, is influenced by various elements such as the tornado and expansive meadows, creating a kaleidoscope of visuals that lead into architectural marvels,” he described, expressing his enthusiasm for crafting a vivid world, from the Emerald City’s greens and golds to the quaint charm of Munchkinland.

Ultimately, the masterpiece created by the Wicked team exceeded Tazewell’s initial mood board expectations, bringing to life an extraordinary visual narrative.

“Reflecting on this process, I think, ‘Wow, we managed to incorporate all of that into our film.’ It went beyond what I initially envisioned, and I’m thrilled with the outcome,” he shared with TooFab, illustrating the collaborative effort behind the scenes.

Wicked: Part One is set to enchant audiences in theaters on November 22.