We see Elphaba’s nails before we’re officially introduced to Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba in the hit Hollywood screen adaptation of the Broadway musical Wicked. The film’s catalyst moment when Elphaba Thropp first meets her nemesis-turned-bestie-turned-nemesis Glinda Upland (played by Ariana Grandé) is purposefully foreboding.

Cynthia Erivo opened up about her decision to wear green makeup for her role as Elphaba in 'Wicked,' as opposed to using CGI. Here's what she said.