Hollywood is buzzing with excitement as Cynthia Erivo has signed on for a brand-new Wicked project. The acclaimed actress, who portrays Elphaba in the two-part film adaptation, will now narrate a new audiobook edition of Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West.
According to Variety, Erivo will bring her powerful voice to the beloved story, with the audiobook set to release on July 1.
“I’m incredibly excited to narrate Wicked, especially after having had the privilege of portraying Elphaba on screen,” Erivo shared.
“I feel deeply connected to Elphaba. We have been on quite the journey together, and now I’m eager to begin an adventure with her whilst exploring the full world of Wicked and its myriad of other characters in the audiobook.”
The Wicked novel presents a darker, more complex version of the story compared to the stage musical and movie, offering a detailed biography of the Wicked Witch of the West.
The first part of the film adaptation, released in November, was a massive success, earning 10 Academy Award nominations, including Best Actress for Erivo and Best Supporting Actress for Ariana Grande, who plays Glinda.
Fans are now eagerly awaiting the sequel, officially titled Wicked: For Good, which is set to hit theaters on November 21.
Adding to the buzz, Matilda: The Musical star Alisha Weir recently addressed rumors that she may play Dorothy Gale in the sequel, calling it “absolutely crazy” but admitting it would be “pretty cool.”
With Cynthia Erivo’s new audiobook and the upcoming sequel, 2025 is shaping up to be a magical year for Wicked fans!