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Cynthia Erivo, currently captivating audiences with her portrayal of Elphaba in the highly anticipated Wicked films, has a lesser-known credit in a galaxy far, far away. Before her Tony and Grammy Award-winning career took off, the acclaimed actress lent her voice to a character in the Star Wars universe, a role that has largely flown under the radar for many fans.
Erivo’s connection to the franchise comes through her work on Star Wars: Visions, an animated anthology series that presents stories through the lens of various Japanese animation studios. The series, which debuted in 2021, offers a unique and diverse take on the Star Wars mythology, diverging from the traditional live-action narratives. Star Wars: Visions, alongside shows like Andor and Skeleton Crew, demonstrates the breadth of storytelling possibilities within the Star Wars universe.
Specifically, Erivo voiced the character of Reva in the episode “The Ninth Jedi” from Volume 1 of Star Wars: Visions. The episode, produced by Studio Trigger, follows a young Jedi Padawan named Kara who must confront a mysterious dark Jedi, Reva, to protect a hidden village. While a voice-only role, it marks Erivo’s contribution to the iconic franchise.
The revelation of Erivo’s involvement has resurfaced recently as anticipation builds for the release of Wicked, scheduled for November 27, 2024. The two-part film adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical stars Erivo alongside Ariana Grande as Glinda the Excellent Witch. The project has generated significant buzz, and fans are eager to see Erivo’s interpretation of the complex and misunderstood Elphaba.
Star Wars: Visions – A Different Kind of Star Wars Story
Star Wars: Visions stands out within the Star Wars canon for its experimental approach. Unlike the serialized narratives of shows like The Mandalorian or Ahsoka, Visions presents self-contained stories, allowing for greater creative freedom and stylistic diversity. The series has been praised for its stunning animation, compelling characters, and fresh perspectives on the Star Wars universe. Season 3 of Star Wars: Visions recently premiered, continuing the tradition of showcasing unique storytelling from talented animation studios.
Erivo’s Rising Star
Cynthia Erivo’s career has been marked by consistent critical acclaim and a growing fanbase. She first gained widespread recognition for her performance as Celie Harris-Johnson in the Broadway revival of The Color Purple, earning a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical. She followed this success with roles in films such as Subpar Times at the El Royale, Widows, and Harriet, for which she received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. Her versatility and powerful performances have solidified her status as one of the most talented actresses working today.
Beyond Wicked, Erivo has a number of exciting projects in development, including a role in the upcoming Disney live-action remake of Snow White. Her continued success demonstrates her range and appeal, and her Star Wars cameo serves as a fascinating footnote in her already impressive career.
As Cynthia Erivo continues to ascend in Hollywood, her early work, including her contribution to Star Wars: Visions, offers a glimpse into the breadth of her talent and the diverse range of projects she has embraced. Fans can glance forward to seeing her shine in Wicked and beyond, and perhaps even a return to a galaxy far, far away in the future.
What did you think of Cynthia Erivo’s role in Star Wars: Visions? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with fellow Star Wars and Wicked fans!