Cynthia Erivo has openly discussed the physical and emotional toll that filming Wicked took on her. In a media chat, the performer revealed the amount of effort she put into the role. Long hours, challenging acrobatics, and little sleep were all part of her demanding schedule.
Erivo discussed her commitment to pushing herself physically and mentally, saying, “I consciously run towards things that will use me physically, as well as mentally, because I believe that the body and the mind are truly intrinsically linked.”
One of the most surprising things Cynthia Erivo revealed was her sleep schedule. During filming, she slept for an average of just three hours each night. She worked out for two hours before her 5 a.m. call time and then spent two more hours in the cosmetics chair.
The tough schedule was necessary due to the physical demands of her employment. “Sometimes the body is the thing that tells the mind what to do, and sometimes the mind is the thing that will tell the body what to do,” she disclosed. She continued by saying that she wants both items to be used because she is a very physical person.
Cynthia devoted a lot of time to strengthening herself for the soaring scenes in Wicked. The performer insisted on taking the job even though she admitted she was not very good at flying.
Erivo worked extensively with her stunt coordinator, Jo McLaren, to prepare for these shots. "If they are doing a loop to loop, which is that big loop," she said, "she has to get herself over and around without her legs just falling behind her." Despite the difficulties, she was eager to do her own stunts. "Are you certain you want to do all of this?" Jo questioned me. And I replied, "Yes."
