Cynthia Erivo Speaks Out After Backlash Over Viral Fan-Made Poster
The controversy surrounding Cynthia Erivo’s response to a fan-edited poster has sparked a heated debate online. Erivo, who stars as Elphaba in the upcoming movie adaptation of alongside Ariana Grande, initially called the poster edit “the wildest, most offensive thing” she had seen. But why did this fan poster stir up so much emotion?
In mid-October, Erivo took to Instagram Stories to express her frustration with a fan-made edit of the movie poster, inspired by the original Broadway version. In the post, Erivo emphasized, "None of this is funny. None of it is cute. It degrades me. It degrades us." She felt the poster, which altered her face to resemble the Broadway illustration, undermined her performance by erasing her “eyes”—a powerful tool she uses to connect with audiences.
For Erivo, who is deeply invested in bringing Elphaba to life, the fan edit hit a nerve. “Our poster is an homage, not an imitation,” she explained, adding that changing her face took away from the raw emotion she hoped to convey in the role.
She further clarified her reaction, saying, “It was just like a human moment of wanting to protect little Elphaba.”
At the 2024 CFDA Fashion Awards, Erivo reflected on the moment, admitting, “I probably should have called my friends, but it’s fine.” While her reaction may seem intense to some, it reveals her commitment to the film and the character of Elphaba.
Once Erivo’s comments surfaced, reactions quickly polarized fans online. Some understood her response as a necessary call to protect the authenticity of her role, while others felt it was an overreaction. A Twitter user argued, “If I see one more tweet saying ‘she’s doing too much’ or ‘it’s just a poster’... it’s about respecting her image and performance.” Another fan passionately defended her, tweeting, “I don’t care how much you love the original poster.
This show is about prejudice and identity—Erivo deserves respect.”
The debate quickly grew beyond a simple poster, touching on issues like respect for actors' portrayals, the power of representation, and even racial sensitivity. One supporter noted that Erivo’s stance resonates because tackles complex themes like prejudice, making the criticism she faced over the poster particularly charged.
Ariana Grande, who plays Glinda opposite Erivo’s Elphaba, also shared her thoughts on the viral fan edit. Speaking at the Academy Museum Gala, Grande echoed her co-star’s sentiments, saying, “This is something that is so much bigger than us, and the fans are gonna have fun and make their edits.” She added, “I have so much respect for my sister Cynthia, and I love her so much.
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Grande’s comments show that she too understands the depth of emotion her co-star feels toward the role. It’s clear that, for both actresses, represents something much larger than just a movie—they recognize its cultural and social significance to fans worldwide.
The incident is about more than one fan-made poster; it’s a reminder of the responsibility and scrutiny actors face, especially when bringing beloved characters to life.
Erivo’s fierce dedication to her role sparked a deeper conversation about respect for performers, the complexities of fan engagement, and the social messages embedded within itself.
For those eagerly awaiting ’s release on November 22, the movie promises more than just musical magic—it’s a modern adaptation that has already spurred conversations about identity, legacy, and respect for artistry.
As one fan put it, “Erivo’s reaction may seem intense, but it’s a reflection of how much this story—and its message—matters.”
What Do You Think About the Controversy?
Do you think Cynthia Erivo’s response was justified? Share your thoughts and join the discussion about the power and passion behind ’s legacy!
