Cynthia Erivo's choice to use practical effects over CGI for her Elphaba role in the highly anticipated 'Wicked' movie adaptation showcases her commitment to the full otherworldly experience.
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Erivo was given the option to use CGI for her Elphaba's green skin, but she firmly chose practical effects instead, wanting to truly embody the character by seeing the green 'second skin' on herself in the mirror.
The meticulous make-up process took up to 4.5 hours, but Erivo had no complaints, saying it 'felt like a second skin' and allowed her to authentically react to being a 'green person' on set, elevating her performance.