Cynthia Erivo and Hugh Jackman Reflect on Wicked’s Success, Song Sung Blue, and Wolverine’s Future
Two of Hollywood’s most versatile stars — Cynthia Erivo and Hugh Jackman — sat down for a heartfelt conversation about their latest projects, Wicked: For Good and Song Sung Blue, as well as the future of Jackman’s iconic role as Wolverine. The discussion, part of Variety and CNN’s Actors on Actors series, offered rare insight into how both performers balance fame, creativity, and purpose.
Hugh Jackman Declares the Movie Musical Is “Back”
Jackman, 57, who has starred in Les Misérables, The Greatest Showman, and The Music Man, said he feels the movie musical is experiencing a true resurgence.
“Please be great. Please be great,” Jackman joked, recalling what he says before watching any new musical. “But after Wicked and Song Sung Blue, I can say it — musicals are back.”
Erivo’s portrayal of Elphaba in Wicked and its sequel, Wicked: For Good, has been hailed as a breakout moment that catapulted her to global recognition. The actress, 38, shared that months of rehearsal helped her fully embody the role.
“We really had time to dig in and find the arc,” Erivo explained. “You get to see a softer, more vulnerable side of Elphaba that people haven’t seen before.”
Jackman praised her performance, calling Wicked “the Mount Everest of moviemaking.”
“You and Ariana [Grande] made it seamless — that invisible moment when speaking becomes singing,” he said. “That’s what makes a great musical.”
Cynthia Erivo on Staying Grounded Amid Stardom
Despite global fame, Erivo says she stays disciplined on set — with routines that include early morning runs and wellness rituals.
“When I arrive on set, I make sure there’s a treadmill. I bring my teas, my vitamins, my protein bars. Those things keep me grounded and happy,” she said.
She also reflected on her emotional Oscar performance of Defying Gravity.
“I always ask that whatever I’m doing connects with whoever it needs to reach. That way, it’s not just about me,” she said. “Maybe someone who’s in pain will see it and find joy.”
Jackman nodded in agreement, adding that he has a similar pre-performance ritual.
“I say a little phrase before I go out: ‘Allow this moment to be in service — of consciousness, of God, of something beyond me.’ It keeps everything real,” he said.
Hugh Jackman on Song Sung Blue and Rediscovering Joy
Jackman’s latest project, Song Sung Blue, tells the story of Mike Sardina, a Vietnam veteran and Neil Diamond tribute singer chasing his dream in small-town America.
“He’s had a hard life, but he just wants to sing,” Jackman said. “Playing Mike reminded me to stop being a perfectionist. He didn’t care how he sounded — he just wanted to connect.”
Jackman stars opposite Kate Hudson, whose performance he described as “pure magic.”
“Kate’s as much a singer as she is an actor,” he said. “We had instant chemistry. The film reminds us that everyday people’s dreams are worth celebrating.”
Stephen Schwartz’s New Songs and the Wicked Legacy
Erivo revealed that Wicked: For Good will feature new music by composer Stephen Schwartz, which she and Ariana Grande first heard during an emotional rehearsal at director Jon Chu’s home.
“Stephen sat at the piano and said, ‘This is your song, and this is your song,’” Erivo recalled. “We sang For Good together for the first time, and there were tears everywhere.”
She added that their voices, though distinct, blended perfectly.
“We didn’t plan it — our vocal lines matched on screen. It’s rare, and it felt fated,” she said.
Wolverine’s Future: “It Doesn’t Feel Like the End”
When asked if his return as Wolverine in Deadpool & Wolverine would mark his final time playing the beloved Marvel hero, Jackman left fans with hope.
“It doesn’t feel like the end,” he said. “After Logan, I really believed it was over. But when I saw Deadpool, I thought, ‘This could be fun again.’ And you know what? I changed my mind. I’m not sorry.”
Looking Ahead
Erivo revealed that she’s working on a new book project — a collection of personal stories and lessons learned throughout her life and career.
“It’s about reflection and asking questions that help you grow,” she said.
Jackman praised her creative courage, saying,
“Your purpose is to open hearts. That’s what makes your work so powerful — it’s loving and real.”
Both stars agreed that their work, whether on stage or screen, is about more than fame or accolades — it’s about connection.
“Because I know what I have,” Erivo said with a smile, “I’m okay with sharing it.”
Wicked: For Good hits theaters December 18, 2025, while Song Sung Blue continues its awards season run ahead of the 2026 Oscars.
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