I understand you being worried, but a black person is actually the best decision for a role like Elphaba. Only a black person undertands what it feels like to not be accepted because of their skin colour. Besides, Elphaba is not evil, she might actually be the most decent person in all of Oz. The amount of bad things that happen to her for trying to be good is so much that once she decides enough is enough, we also decide enough is enough, lol. We love her.
Cynthia WANTED to be Elphaba just like how Ariana WANTED to be Glinda And the traditional wizard of oz is WAYYYYY different from Wicked Elphaba is NEVER evil shes framed AS being Evil by people who want to use her for her magical abilities. This movie and this story in general has NOTHING to do with race at all bcs ANYONE can play these characters thats why its a play thats always in production all over the world
So, this is the untold story of the witches of Oz. Here, in this story, you come to realize that Elphaba, the green witch, is actually not the evil wicked witch of the west that all of Oz portrayed her to be in the original movie. This play/musical is based upon a book telling the true story from Elphaba and Glinda’s POV. So, Elphaba is not truly a villain or evil. The villain is the Wizard and the citizens of Oz by proxy. That is why the opening line of the trailer is, “Are people born wicked, or is wickedness thrust upon them?” 🩷🫧💚🧹
She’s the wicked witch bc she’s talented. They could’ve casted anybody of any race but it wouldn’t matter bc she’s green. It’s not a race thing, Cynthia is just extremely talented and she auditioned too. Being able to play the witch is one of the greatest honors bc the witch is the main character, has the most iconic songs, and is shown to be good. There’s only been like 1 or 2 black actresses play the witch in the show too. I just wanted to give some insight that they didn’t “make” the black lady the witch, she wanted to be the witch and auditioned and blew them away with her talent! Hope this helped!
You know! I really like how yall are thinking. It’s a different perspective and absolutely correct in that she auditioned for the role. Thanks for the feedback and I hope it’s a great movie! 👍🏾
There is the very blatant mistreatment of Elphaba because she’s green and or different which easily ties in to black or minority experiences. I’m not sure how much of the plot you’re aware of but trust me when I say Elphaba is THE hero and is villainized for doing what’s right. It’s a story about truth, perception, and friendship and Elphaba is a great role model for standing by your truths even in the face of oppression. I love how you want to protect your kids from imagery that can demonize the black community. This show definitely portrays oppression and corruption in systems of power but the music and storytelling with Elphaba is very empowering.
Elphaba in Wicked is one of the HARDEST roles to perform. Cynthia Erivo is extremely talented! I would also recommend you look up her performances from the Color Purple. She is stunning. Perfect for this role.
Everything about the trailer is in my eyes, very obviously portraying Elphaba as the sympathetic character. While I understand the importance of being wary and critical about how Black people, especially Black women, are portrayed in media, this is not one of those times where I'd worry. If anything, this movie actually perfectly highlights how Black women who can be incredibly gifted and talented are used and scapegoated by others through no fault of their own and instead are made to be perceived as something "wicked". So with all that said, glad you're careful about what your children watch but I'll echo others and perhaps say that looking deeper into the story will help clear things up (even though I think the trailer was pretty clear.) Whether they had cast a white actress or Black actress in this case makes little difference because she is green and the story would have played out the same regardless. But I get it, Cynthia is a Black woman so she's going to be heavily scrutinized for that again, through no fault of her own. I'm sure she was chosen because she can both act and sing. The movie is not at all saying Black people are inherently evil...it's doing the opposite.
It’s a black actress finally cast in a role normally portrayed by white actresses. Has absolutely nothing to do with what you’re saying. It’s a beautiful story about friendship. It’s a story about not judging people for being different.
You're right to be concerned. I was too when I saw that the 'witch' was being played by a woman who looks like me. But hearing one woman who followed the story of the "The Wizard of Oz", The Book and the Stage play, say "Elphaba isn't wicked she is misunderstood." But the effigy...WTH?
What a hilarious video. I take away 2 things from this reaction 1. You've never seen the stage show of Wicked or read the books it based off. 2. You have no idea how acting and how an actor is chosen for any acting job works. 😅 Wicked has been playng all over the world for 21 years, only one black actress has ever played her on stage that entire time, 45 have played the role on Broadway and many more in other countries, all of them white. Hopefully that answers you ludicrous question of "oh dear, why have they choosen a black woman to play her" 😅😅😅😅😅 Take your daughters to go see it, they will love it ❤
...japanese elphaba was played by japanese actresses tho...korean elphaba by korean actresses, mexican by mexicans... Werent there some latinas too in the english language productions? With the one black actress you mean Alexia Khadime right? Had the great chance to see her at the west end, she was great. But the majority was white, true.
His concern is not unfounded. Hollywood has a pretty awful track record with this sort of thing. It’s only in the past 2 decades that things have improved, but things still aren’t ideal. Better, sure, but not great. And hell, forget Hollywood! America was founded on multiple instances of villainizing the “other(s).” From the indigenous/native population and Africans, to the Irish and Asians. Then there’s the differing religions, which also played a role in discrimination. And how about biological matters? Differences in anatomy, mental illness, disabilities… Sadly, I can go on and on. And people in these communities have all been regularly cast as the “bad guy” or incompetent friend.
@@overthemoo But the whole point with the character in the stage play is that she is being villainized for being different, for having a different skin color - and everyone around her is using her "otherness" against her, as a way to discriminate, incriminate and rally the masses against her, for it. So Cynthia Erivo is playing a character that goes through the exact things you are describing. I'm sure she's gonna kick ass in the role, with all of her talent and I am sure, too, that she can relate to the subject, being a person of color, herself. I mean, already, some people have even criticized her casting as "Hollywood being woke, letting a black actress play the lead".
@@kristianliljegren7614 I understand and I agree -I stated as much in my reply- but it is nevertheless worth recognizing the reactor’s concerns. Essentially, what I was trying to say is that both opinions can exist at the same time. That is to say, someone with less information about the show would be valid in having the reactor’s concern. Meanwhile, people who are very familiar with the show could be ecstatic about the film’s casting. And those familiar with the show can understand the worry from those unfamiliar and kindly inform them that their concerns in fact play a part in the storyline. Or you can outright spoil them if necessary. (Such as a reactor saying that they “would see it BUT it looks kinda racist.” Then you could explain that her being ~different and villainized is a plot point.)
I kept cringing at your reaction. I understand how it looks from someone that doesn’t know Wicked. But having a black women play Elphaba is so needed on Broadway it’s always played by white women. I hope you give the movie a chance and have an open mind watching it. It goes so much deeper than just race
Elphiba being played by a black woman is so important. Definitely a story your kids will love and learn from. We are not who we appear on the outside but who we are on the inside… is the theme of the show. Enjoy, I wish I could watch wicked for the first time again
Have you ever seen or read Wicked? I’d pick Cynthia if only because she’s one of a few singers who can hit a certain note for the song Gravity. But it’s about being different and how people’s fear of that difference can be used to manipulate them to do wicked things.
First, Cynthia WANTED that role, the character is not only one of the hardest roles to play/sing out there but two, it tells a story of love, betrayal and friendship, ALSO literally is about Elphaba being treated for being different and because of the color of her skin. I highly suggest to look into wicked and see what it is about then re watch. May change your opinion
I think he has confused the story of The Wizard Oz with this film. This movie is adaption of the Stage Show Wicked, where the she is the hero and shows why she turned bad.
😂😂brother you immediately see everything racist she voluntarily spoke for the role and was chosen she even cried out of joy because she got it don't cry not everything is about racism why have you all become so soft even if the actress had to be white she would still be GREEN and her film character would still be the same
Your comment on “inherently evil” [or even being less than] is understandable. I see that you’ve been informed by others about the story within Wicked -turning the perspective of the “wicked witch” on its head- so I won’t rehash that. But I want to point back to the opening line in the trailer: “Are people born wicked? Or do they have wickedness thrust upon them?” This speaks to your comment, as well as the idea that some people are “monsters” - typically used to label individuals who carry out behavior that many would call monstrous or evil. Science has determined that “evil behavior” is primarily a consequence of one’s environment, with a possibility of biological proclivities; greater susceptibility (weakened or lacking empathy, addiction, etc.) to some behavior opening pathways for poor judgment and/or decisions. All of which could lead to horrendous behavior, especially if one’s higher executive functions are also impaired. Yet, much of this dependent on what all is occurring in one’s environment. Do they have other people in their life that could counter balance the trauma or bad influence? Does the event miss a ‘window’ of time that would have been far more impactful? This is why people may hear about a lot of serial killers suffering head injuries at young ages, yet you yourself or someone you know suffered a head injury at a young age and never had an urge to murder anyone. Both are possible! **No need to read the following but I’d still like to share my thoughts… :) Many factors play a part in brain development, both immediately after and long after the day of your birth. (Prior to your birth too, of course…just less so.) And this is why it is so important to display and encourage everyone to model and teach empathy as early as possible. Honestly- learning about our emotions and thought patterns should be required curriculum in early education. Maintaining this knowledge and expanding on it in later years is also necessary, what with our greater cognitive abilities. We would all be so much better-off with this level of awareness.
here are the facts -Cynthia Erivo -an extremely talented actress and singer auditioned and landed the role of Elphaba (the wicked witch) because of her TALENTS! why do we always have to play the race card when it comes to things like this...grow up!
Your poor children. Of course you automatically think because she's black she's going to be the villain? Learn about something before you speak about it. I cant wait for your kids to watch this film, idolize Elphaba and you come on here to apologize about your sad way of thinking.
"Gonna turn good"??? You've misunderstood it entirely. ..thats understandable because Elphaba is terribly misunderstood by her entire society. Elphaba IS good! In fact, she is one of the very few GOOD characters in the entire production. The entire story attempts, in part, to rip apart labels and prejudices. Your heart breaks for Elphaba. It inspires the viewer to want to go out and do good, ..to be a better person... and stand up for what is right... and to not be afraid of the personal consequences you face when your goal is to save the soul of society. It is an incredibly powerful tale where Elphaba does her best to fix many of the political injustices of their society. Did you not notice how incredibly strong her heart is? She is a JUSTICE fighter.... She is THE Warrior for what is right. Elphaba has always been "the good one". Her incredible natural powers make everyone around her jealous. She is also so terribly misunderstood. Towards the trailer's end you see the politically-powerful OZ and Head Mistress spreading fake propaganda and lies about Elphaba AND THE PAIN IT CAUSES. [EDITED: I removed one of my rude, harsh criticisms that was here. Apologies.] Elphaba is probably THE MOST BELOVED character to be created in the last 20 or 30 years. Elphaba's life and story are held as precious and terribly-beautiful things to anyone who has read the stories or seen the live Broadway musical.
A black British woman auditioned for the part and got the role. It’s as simple as that.
I understand you being worried, but a black person is actually the best decision for a role like Elphaba. Only a black person undertands what it feels like to not be accepted because of their skin colour.
Besides, Elphaba is not evil, she might actually be the most decent person in all of Oz. The amount of bad things that happen to her for trying to be good is so much that once she decides enough is enough, we also decide enough is enough, lol. We love her.
Only a black person. No other group of people have EVER been discriminated against because of how they look.
S T F U
Lmaoooooooooooooo
Cynthia WANTED to be Elphaba just like how Ariana WANTED to be Glinda
And the traditional wizard of oz is WAYYYYY different from Wicked Elphaba is NEVER evil shes framed AS being Evil by people who want to use her for her magical abilities.
This movie and this story in general has NOTHING to do with race at all bcs ANYONE can play these characters thats why its a play thats always in production all over the world
So, this is the untold story of the witches of Oz. Here, in this story, you come to realize that Elphaba, the green witch, is actually not the evil wicked witch of the west that all of Oz portrayed her to be in the original movie.
This play/musical is based upon a book telling the true story from Elphaba and Glinda’s POV. So, Elphaba is not truly a villain or evil. The villain is the Wizard and the citizens of Oz by proxy.
That is why the opening line of the trailer is, “Are people born wicked, or is wickedness thrust upon them?” 🩷🫧💚🧹
Ok. That’s good to know. Thanks for that extra info. I didn’t know that. 👏🏾
She’s the wicked witch bc she’s talented. They could’ve casted anybody of any race but it wouldn’t matter bc she’s green. It’s not a race thing, Cynthia is just extremely talented and she auditioned too. Being able to play the witch is one of the greatest honors bc the witch is the main character, has the most iconic songs, and is shown to be good. There’s only been like 1 or 2 black actresses play the witch in the show too.
I just wanted to give some insight that they didn’t “make” the black lady the witch, she wanted to be the witch and auditioned and blew them away with her talent! Hope this helped!
You know! I really like how yall are thinking. It’s a different perspective and absolutely correct in that she auditioned for the role. Thanks for the feedback and I hope it’s a great movie! 👍🏾
There is the very blatant mistreatment of Elphaba because she’s green and or different which easily ties in to black or minority experiences. I’m not sure how much of the plot you’re aware of but trust me when I say Elphaba is THE hero and is villainized for doing what’s right. It’s a story about truth, perception, and friendship and Elphaba is a great role model for standing by your truths even in the face of oppression. I love how you want to protect your kids from imagery that can demonize the black community. This show definitely portrays oppression and corruption in systems of power but the music and storytelling with Elphaba is very empowering.
Elphaba in Wicked is one of the HARDEST roles to perform. Cynthia Erivo is extremely talented! I would also recommend you look up her performances from the Color Purple.
She is stunning. Perfect for this role.
Still haven’t watched Color purple yet. But that trailer does look pretty awesome! Thanks for recommendation for sure!
@@StopPlayin77 The Color purple, the musical not the movie, for which Cynthia Erivo won multiple awards.
Everything about the trailer is in my eyes, very obviously portraying Elphaba as the sympathetic character. While I understand the importance of being wary and critical about how Black people, especially Black women, are portrayed in media, this is not one of those times where I'd worry. If anything, this movie actually perfectly highlights how Black women who can be incredibly gifted and talented are used and scapegoated by others through no fault of their own and instead are made to be perceived as something "wicked". So with all that said, glad you're careful about what your children watch but I'll echo others and perhaps say that looking deeper into the story will help clear things up (even though I think the trailer was pretty clear.) Whether they had cast a white actress or Black actress in this case makes little difference because she is green and the story would have played out the same regardless. But I get it, Cynthia is a Black woman so she's going to be heavily scrutinized for that again, through no fault of her own. I'm sure she was chosen because she can both act and sing. The movie is not at all saying Black people are inherently evil...it's doing the opposite.
Elphaba is green, not black. There were actual black students at the school as you noticed. Elphaba was not one of them. She is green.
It’s a black actress finally cast in a role normally portrayed by white actresses. Has absolutely nothing to do with what you’re saying. It’s a beautiful story about friendship. It’s a story about not judging people for being different.
You're right to be concerned. I was too when I saw that the 'witch' was being played by a woman who looks like me. But hearing one woman who followed the story of the "The Wizard of Oz", The Book and the Stage play, say "Elphaba isn't wicked she is misunderstood." But the effigy...WTH?
What a hilarious video. I take away 2 things from this reaction
1. You've never seen the stage show of Wicked or read the books it based off.
2. You have no idea how acting and how an actor is chosen for any acting job works. 😅
Wicked has been playng all over the world for 21 years, only one black actress has ever played her on stage that entire time, 45 have played the role on Broadway and many more in other countries, all of them white. Hopefully that answers you ludicrous question of "oh dear, why have they choosen a black woman to play her" 😅😅😅😅😅
Take your daughters to go see it, they will love it ❤
...japanese elphaba was played by japanese actresses tho...korean elphaba by korean actresses, mexican by mexicans...
Werent there some latinas too in the english language productions? With the one black actress you mean Alexia Khadime right? Had the great chance to see her at the west end, she was great.
But the majority was white, true.
His concern is not unfounded. Hollywood has a pretty awful track record with this sort of thing. It’s only in the past 2 decades that things have improved, but things still aren’t ideal. Better, sure, but not great.
And hell, forget Hollywood! America was founded on multiple instances of villainizing the “other(s).” From the indigenous/native population and Africans, to the Irish and Asians. Then there’s the differing religions, which also played a role in discrimination. And how about biological matters? Differences in anatomy, mental illness, disabilities…
Sadly, I can go on and on.
And people in these communities have all been regularly cast as the “bad guy” or incompetent friend.
@@overthemoo But the whole point with the character in the stage play is that she is being villainized for being different, for having a different skin color - and everyone around her is using her "otherness" against her, as a way to discriminate, incriminate and rally the masses against her, for it. So Cynthia Erivo is playing a character that goes through the exact things you are describing. I'm sure she's gonna kick ass in the role, with all of her talent and I am sure, too, that she can relate to the subject, being a person of color, herself. I mean, already, some people have even criticized her casting as "Hollywood being woke, letting a black actress play the lead".
@@kristianliljegren7614 I understand and I agree -I stated as much in my reply- but it is nevertheless worth recognizing the reactor’s concerns. Essentially, what I was trying to say is that both opinions can exist at the same time. That is to say, someone with less information about the show would be valid in having the reactor’s concern. Meanwhile, people who are very familiar with the show could be ecstatic about the film’s casting. And those familiar with the show can understand the worry from those unfamiliar and kindly inform them that their concerns in fact play a part in the storyline. Or you can outright spoil them if necessary. (Such as a reactor saying that they “would see it BUT it looks kinda racist.” Then you could explain that her being ~different and villainized is a plot point.)
I kept cringing at your reaction. I understand how it looks from someone that doesn’t know Wicked. But having a black women play Elphaba is so needed on Broadway it’s always played by white women. I hope you give the movie a chance and have an open mind watching it. It goes so much deeper than just race
The witch is the hero of this story.
Elphiba being played by a black woman is so important. Definitely a story your kids will love and learn from. We are not who we appear on the outside but who we are on the inside… is the theme of the show. Enjoy, I wish I could watch wicked for the first time again
2:42 she's literally green... but we heard you.
Have you ever seen or read Wicked? I’d pick Cynthia if only because she’s one of a few singers who can hit a certain note for the song Gravity. But it’s about being different and how people’s fear of that difference can be used to manipulate them to do wicked things.
First, Cynthia WANTED that role, the character is not only one of the hardest roles to play/sing out there but two, it tells a story of love, betrayal and friendship, ALSO literally is about Elphaba being treated for being different and because of the color of her skin. I highly suggest to look into wicked and see what it is about then re watch. May change your opinion
go and do your homework find out why the witch is black find out before you see the movie understanding it before you comment
I think he has confused the story of The Wizard Oz with this film. This movie is adaption of the Stage Show Wicked, where the she is the hero and shows why she turned bad.
🤙🏾
Man, not everything is about the actors race, chill.
Given your comments, I think you’ll like this a lot. It’s a story about oppression and otherness.
Wait… There are really people making one of the most beloved musicals about race? Weird
😂😂brother you immediately see everything racist she voluntarily spoke for the role and was chosen she even cried out of joy because she got it don't cry not everything is about racism why have you all become so soft even if the actress had to be white she would still be GREEN and her film character would still be the same
The Green Witch is the hero!!!!! SHE's THE HERO!!!!!!!
Your comment on “inherently evil” [or even being less than] is understandable. I see that you’ve been informed by others about the story within Wicked -turning the perspective of the “wicked witch” on its head- so I won’t rehash that. But I want to point back to the opening line in the trailer: “Are people born wicked? Or do they have wickedness thrust upon them?” This speaks to your comment, as well as the idea that some people are “monsters” - typically used to label individuals who carry out behavior that many would call monstrous or evil.
Science has determined that “evil behavior” is primarily a consequence of one’s environment, with a possibility of biological proclivities; greater susceptibility (weakened or lacking empathy, addiction, etc.) to some behavior opening pathways for poor judgment and/or decisions. All of which could lead to horrendous behavior, especially if one’s higher executive functions are also impaired. Yet, much of this dependent on what all is occurring in one’s environment. Do they have other people in their life that could counter balance the trauma or bad influence? Does the event miss a ‘window’ of time that would have been far more impactful? This is why people may hear about a lot of serial killers suffering head injuries at young ages, yet you yourself or someone you know suffered a head injury at a young age and never had an urge to murder anyone. Both are possible!
**No need to read the following but I’d still like to share my thoughts… :)
Many factors play a part in brain development, both immediately after and long after the day of your birth. (Prior to your birth too, of course…just less so.) And this is why it is so important to display and encourage everyone to model and teach empathy as early as possible. Honestly- learning about our emotions and thought patterns should be required curriculum in early education. Maintaining this knowledge and expanding on it in later years is also necessary, what with our greater cognitive abilities. We would all be so much better-off with this level of awareness.
here are the facts -Cynthia Erivo -an extremely talented actress and singer auditioned and landed the role of Elphaba (the wicked witch) because of her TALENTS! why do we always have to play the race card when it comes to things like this...grow up!
Your poor children. Of course you automatically think because she's black she's going to be the villain? Learn about something before you speak about it. I cant wait for your kids to watch this film, idolize Elphaba and you come on here to apologize about your sad way of thinking.
Why are people so obsessed with race. Bizarre.
I know bro I thought she was gonna turn good for a second too there before she jumped out the window
😂😂😂
"Gonna turn good"??? You've misunderstood it entirely. ..thats understandable because Elphaba is terribly misunderstood by her entire society.
Elphaba IS good! In fact, she is one of the very few GOOD characters in the entire production.
The entire story attempts, in part, to rip apart labels and prejudices. Your heart breaks for Elphaba. It inspires the viewer to want to go out and do good, ..to be a better person... and stand up for what is right... and to not be afraid of the personal consequences you face when your goal is to save the soul of society.
It is an incredibly powerful tale where Elphaba does her best to fix many of the political injustices of their society. Did you not notice how incredibly strong her heart is? She is a JUSTICE fighter.... She is THE Warrior for what is right. Elphaba has always been "the good one". Her incredible natural powers make everyone around her jealous. She is also so terribly misunderstood. Towards the trailer's end you see the politically-powerful OZ and Head Mistress spreading fake propaganda and lies about Elphaba AND THE PAIN IT CAUSES.
[EDITED: I removed one of my rude, harsh criticisms that was here. Apologies.]
Elphaba is probably THE MOST BELOVED character to be created in the last 20 or 30 years. Elphaba's life and story are held as precious and terribly-beautiful things to anyone who has read the stories or seen the live Broadway musical.
Cringe reaction