Breaking Barriers: Cynthia Erivo and Halle Bailey Reimagine Hollywood

Hollywood’s been shifting gears lately, and a big part of that momentum is thanks to brave Black actresses like Cynthia Erivo and Halle Bailey, who are not just taking on iconic roles but also challenging the status quo while doing it. Erivo is about to slay as Elphaba Thropp in the upcoming film adaptation of “Wicked”. Despite fears about stepping into a role that has seen only one other Black woman—Alexia Khadime—before her, Erivo is all about making that character her own. She’s not shy about addressing her complex feelings of “otherness” in a predominantly white space. As she aptly put it, she hopes her performance serves as a love letter to everyone who has ever felt marginalized, which includes a ton of women of color.

The hair game is also on point—Erivo chose to rock micro braids for Elphaba’s look, a choice that adds a personal touch and connects her culturally to the character. But it’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about visibility. She wants her portrayal to not just be a curiosity but to uplift other Black women who have felt overlooked in this industry.

Then we have Halle Bailey, whose dream of becoming Disney’s Princess Ariel came with the baggage of controversy. The internet exploded with backlash from fans who felt this mermaid wasn’t supposed to have melanin. But instead of letting that negativity weigh her down, Halle embraced the support from her community, understanding the impact her casting has on young Black girls everywhere. She expressed how uplifting it was to hear from fans who saw themselves represented in her portrayal.

And speaking of representation, let’s not forget Brandy, who paved the way for Black princesses back in the day with her role in “Cinderella.” She’s been in Halle’s corner, offering sage advice about staying true to herself despite the noise. In a world that often tries to box women of color into small roles, these actresses are shattering ceilings and rewriting the narrative.

Cynthia and Halle are just the tip of the iceberg in a movement that’s changing Hollywood forever. Audiences are ready for diverse stories and characters, and these trailblazing actresses are leading by example. “Wicked” is set for a musical feast when it launches, and the live-action “Little Mermaid” is already making waves for the right reasons—representation matters, people!

Sources: Celebrity Storm Wire and Variety, Refinery29, Billboard, People Magazine