Commentary: Why it matters that Cynthia Erivo is playing Elphaba in the ‘Wicked’ movie

LOS ANGELES — After years of speculation, the official news broke that Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande are starring in Universal’s film adaptation of the hit musical “Wicked” — as Elphaba and Glinda, respectively.

“Honored doesn’t even begin to cover it. I cannot wait to hug you,” Grande wrote to Erivo in a message sent with flowers, which Erivo shared on Instagram. Likewise, Erivo wrote to Grande, “The part was made for you, I look forward to sharing this musical journey with you.”

The casting news is a major advancement for the long-gestating project, which has been in the works since shortly after “Wicked” opened on Broadway in 2003. It remains the fifth longest-running show