Bad star Cynthia Erivo has revealed she felt a ‘great responsibility’ to look after Ariana Grande while filming for the blockbuster musical.
The actress, 37, discussed her role as Elphaba Thropp in a new interview CBS News where she discussed her friendship with her co-star.
The singer explained that before filming began, the pair discussed how they would work together and Cynthia revealed that she felt it was important to take care of the pop star.
She added that the pair both knew the film would be successful and that they would have to work together despite all the pressure.
She told the US news channel: ‘Before we started filming, we both had a conversation about how we would take care of each other and make the space we needed for each other, and give each other what we needed. we had to be generous to each other in this matter because we knew it was a big undertaking.
“We knew we had a big responsibility, but we knew neither of us could really do it alone.”
The Bad star Cynthia Erivo, 37, (right) revealed she felt a ‘great responsibility’ to care for Ariana Grande, 31, while filming for the blockbuster musical
The actress discussed her role as Elphaba in a new interview with CBS News, in which she discussed her friendship with her co-star
The star added a pair of black platform boots to her look and threw an oversized black wool coat over her dazzling outfit
The West End star also confessed that her and Ariana’s friendship only started when they met to film the musical, but that they have since developed a strong bond that neither of them expected.
She went on to say that despite never having met before, they immediately noticed their chemistry.
The first time the couple met, Cynthia explained that Ariana, 31, came to her house where they chatted and discussed the movie and it was there that they knew they would become friends.
And after singing together for the first time after dinner at director Jon M. Chu’s home, they made a pact to care for each other and nurture each other’s talents.
And the Harriet star candidly discussed how starring in the film, which has already proved a hit and grossed $262 million in the US alone, forced her to confront her vulnerabilities.
Cynthia said: “It means people can see the human behind the character a little bit more, which meant I had to allow myself to do that a little bit, which was scary, but I knew it would be meaningful.
“That was really the only way to play this role.”
And she told the news host that she’s proud of her portrayal of Elphaba and is excited for others to see the show, even encouraging fans to sing along if it felt good to them.
During the conversation, the singer explained that before filming began, the pair discussed how they would work together and Cynthia revealed that she felt it was important to take care of the pop star.
The West End star also confessed that her and Ariana’s friendship only started when they met to film the musical, but that they have since developed a strong bond that neither of them expected.
She said she didn’t want to be the actress who told fans not to enjoy themselves while watching her movie.
And for her appearance on CBS News, Cynthia looked nothing short of gorgeous in a structured, long-sleeved mini dress with square pockets and a zip-up front.
The star added a pair of black platform boots to her look and threw an oversized black wool coat over her dazzling outfit.
Cynthia’s discussion comes after the singer spoke about her strong physical bond with Ariana, and how they often communicate through touch.
The actress opened up about how she and the Bad Idea singer are bonding in a teaser clip for her upcoming appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show, airing December 10.
Speaking about their connection, she said: “I think I’m kind of used to it now. If it’s not that connected, I’m like, what’s going on? What’s happening? Where are you? You know what I mean?’
“We always end up… we walk hand in hand a lot of the time. For example, if we don’t walk hand in hand, we will find each other somewhere,” she added.
After Drew — who was recently pushed away by Martha Stewart for getting too close midway through the interview — talked about not being able to hold back from “holding hands, hugging, cuddling,” Cynthia said many people are “a little bit afraid of physical connection.” .’
After singing together for the first time after dinner at director Jon M. Chu’s house, they made a pact to care for each other and nurture each other’s talents (photo in April 2024)
And the Harriet star candidly discussed how starring in the film, which has already proven a hit and grossed $262 million in the US alone, forced her to confront her vulnerabilities (pictured with Ariana on November 14 in New York)
“I think we assume that physical connection can only be romantic,” she said.
She continued, “I don’t think we realize that sometimes we communicate through physical touch.”
“Sometimes you can’t say anything and you sit in a room and you think, it’s just a handshake and that’s sometimes the way she and I communicate, maybe we’re talking to someone or maybe I need to tell her something, for example.”
“And I’m, it’s just a squeeze of the hand or just a squeeze of a finger, you know, or a hug. You know, whatever we need to communicate is the way we need to communicate.”
“And I don’t think we pay enough attention to the way we physically communicate with our friends.”
Ariana and Cynthia have been turning heads for weeks after a series of bizarre interviews during the Wicked press tour – and recently, another chilling moment has caught fans’ attention.
In another bizarre clip, which went viral on X, formerly known as Twitter, Cynthia broke down in tears as she wore her character Elphaba’s green makeup on set.
Cynthia’s discussion comes after the singer spoke about her strong physical bond with Ariana, and how they often communicate through touch after working on the film together for almost three years.
The two women spoke with a Pink News reporter last week to promote their highly anticipated film adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical.
During the interview, Cynthia seemed visually emotional as she explained that removing the green makeup every day made her feel more comfortable with her own appearance.
The clip showed Ariana, who also seemed emotional over the comment, as she held Cynthia’s hand and breathlessly praised her beauty.
Movie fans had a lot to say about the clip. Some joked that the interview was like “an emotional support group,” while others said the awkward press tour put them off going to the movie.