Wicked: Cynthia Erivo is seen for the FIRST time in character as Elphaba

Cynthia Erivo has been photographed on the set of the Wicked adaptation for the first time since filming began on the hotly adaptation film.

The actress, 36, who plays the protagonist of the movie Elphaba, was easily recognizable for her painted green skin, which was reminiscent of the iconic witch.

Filming took place this weekend at Hankley Common in Surrey and will become the backdrop for Munchkin Country.

Munchkin Country is the fictional eastern region of the Land of Oz and home to the famous Yellow Brick Road, which members of the crew were building.

While laying the yellow bricks, Cynthia and her body double were pictured filming a flight with the character flying through the air.

Cynthia, 36, wore a tall black witch hat paired with long robes and a leather trench coat, while her long wig fell on his back.

At one point she could be seen wielding a broomstick, which was probably used for the scene where she flies through the air.

Cynthia or her body double was then strapped into a harness and suspended from two supporting ropes to safely shoot the scene.

The role of Elphaba was originated by Idina Menzel in the 2003 Broadway production, while Tony-winning actress Carole Shelley played Madame Morrible.

It too with star Kristin Chenoweth in Ariana’s role of Galinda/Glinda.

Excitement over the film has increased after it was revealed that early scenes were shown at CinemaCon in Las Vegas, wowing audiences – however, the release is not scheduled for November next year.

The film is based on Gregory Maguire’s best-selling novel and the successful Broadway musical adaptation, which debuted in 2003.

It is a prequel to The Wizard of Oz in which the storyline continues with Dorothy and describes the one-time friendship between the characters Elphaba and Glinda.

It also stars Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, as well as Bowen Yang, Adam James, Keala Settle and Bronwyn James.

Wicked, which is being adapted into a two-part series, has kept details of the shoot under wraps.

Wicked Part 1 was originally slated for a Christmas Day 2024 release, but it has been rescheduled for November 27, 2024, with the second episode airing December 25, 2025.

Last month, Jeff Goldblum revealed that he had been cast in the movie when he appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live.

“I was just on the set of Wicked. I can’t talk about that. But it’s out and over,” he said. “You should see our witches, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, very good.”

Recently, the stars of the film, Ariana and Cynthia, posted first images of their upcoming film.

Ariana posted an image of her character, the good witch Glinda, donning a pink dress as she walked up a long flight of stairs.

Cynthia, 36, shared a photo of her character, the wicked witch Elphaba pictured wearing her hat and broom.

The film’s director, Jon M. Chu, posted both shots with the caption, “You haven’t told the whole story.” What happens if you deviate from the Yellow Brick Road? FIRST LOOK of the #WickedMovie … currently in production in Oz.”

Cynthia commented in the comments, “It’s been great making magic with you.”

Chu also took to Twitter to praise his leading ladies and their performances in the upcoming film.

“I’ve already been changed forever by these two women… #CynthiaErivo & #ArianaGrande as the Witches of Oz,” he said.

They will cheer you up, break your heart and leave you speechless with their voices. So excited to introduce you to our world… So much more to come…”

Meanwhile, original Broadway star Kristin has said she’s “so proud” of Ariana for taking on her role of Glinda.

The actress revealed that the 29-year-old pop star was “really scared” at the idea of ​​taking on the role in the upcoming two-part film adaptation.

She said on The Kelly Clarkson Show this week: “She didn’t call me for advice, but she was very nervous. She said she wanted to honor me but said ‘I’m really scared, I want to make you proud’. Well, she’s already made me proud. Finished. account.”

The former Pushing Daisies actress – who has known Ariana since meeting her backstage at Wicked nearly 20 years ago as a young fan – urged hitmaker Thank U, Next to take on the role, recalling their shared excitement when the singer called her to tell her she got the part.

She added, “I said, ‘What I want to encourage you to do, Ariana, is make Glinda your Glinda.’ I want you to do you.’ I’ve known her since I was ten and now I’ve come full circle.

‘She called me [crying] like “I got it!” I went ‘Oh my God, what?!’ We sounded like dogs! But I am so proud of her. ‘

Ariana regularly calls Kristin about her ideas for her character and the ‘West Wing’ star “can’t wait” to see her on the big screen.

She said: ‘[Ariana] calls me and says ‘This is what I should do, what do you think?’ I can’t wait to see her do it. I can not wait. She just said “Kristin, I’m going crazy on premiere night”

“So I said, ‘Stop, you’re going to be great!'”