Actress and screenwriter Lena Waithe is proudly celebrating her partner Cynthia Erivo’s standout role in the new Wicked movie. Erivo, 37, stars as Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, in Jon M. Chu’s adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical, which premiered November 22.
Lena Waithe: A Proud Partner
Waithe, 40, took to Instagram to amplify the buzz around Erivo’s performance. Sharing glowing reviews, behind-the-scenes photos, and fan tributes, she showed her admiration for both Erivo and the film. Among her posts were features from Essence and Ebony magazines, as well as clips of Erivo rehearsing alongside co-stars Ariana Grande and Jonathan Bailey.
The Emmy-winning creator of Twenties and Master of None also shared a clip from a BBC interview with Karis Musongole, who plays a young Elphaba. Waithe added a celebratory caption to an Instagram post of herself dressed in a vibrant green suit for the Los Angeles premiere, saying, “Tonight we defy gravity.”
History-Making Success
Wicked: Part One has been a box-office sensation, earning $164 million globally during its opening weekend. It is now the highest-grossing Broadway adaptation debut in history. Erivo’s portrayal of Elphaba has drawn widespread praise, with critics and fans alike lauding her vocal power and emotional depth.
Waithe has supported Erivo at several high-profile events leading up to the film’s release, including the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures gala in October and the Tony Awards in June. “The first time I met her was at the Met Gala,” Waithe shared in a 2020 interview with Variety. “I had seen her in The Color Purple twice and thought, ‘Who is this tiny person with a British accent?’ We’ve been vibing ever since.”
While Erivo shines on-screen, Waithe continues to champion her partner off-screen. From the red carpet to social media, her unwavering support showcases a bond as inspiring as Elphaba’s story itself.
Wicked: Part One is in theaters now, with Part Two set to release on November 26, 2025.