Universal Pictures finds Cynthia Erivo so bewitching that it has signed her production company, Edith’s Daughter, to a first-look film deal.
Erivo can soon be seen starring as Elphaba in Universal’s “Wicked” feature film, directed by Jon M. Chu and based off the hit Broadway production. “Wicked Part Two” comes out in 2025.
Erivo was nominated for an Oscar for “Harriet,” a Focus Features film; Focus is the specialty studio for Universal Pictures. Had she won, Erivo would have a completed the EGOT.
“Cynthia’s world-class talent is matched only by her unwavering commitment to authenticity, representation, and empathy as a storyteller,” said Peter Cramer, the president of Universal Pictures. “She has inspired us all throughout the making of Wicked, and we are so honored that she has chosen to partner with Universal to help amplify her mission at Edith’s Daughter. We couldn’t be more excited for the road ahead.”
“Having spent the last three years collaborating with Donna Langley, Peter Cramer and the team at Universal on ‘Wicked,’ I’ve experienced first-hand the love and fearlessness with which they tell stories and uplift storytellers,” Erivo said. “I’m absolutely overjoyed to take this next step in our partnership with our first look deal. This is not just a milestone for my production company, but a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of diverse voices in film. I can’t wait to bring our visions to life and share them with the world!”
Erivo launched her production company in 2020 with the mission of developing stories that both normalizes and expresses the beauty of people who are often overlooked and underrepresented. Solome Williams is the Edith’s Daughter EVP, overseeing all television, film, and unscripted development and production; Juliet Phillips is creative executive.
Edith’s Daughter’s inaugural film “Drift,” starring Erivo, debuted as an official selection at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival. Next up is a remake of the 1979 Bette Midler film “The Rose” for Searchlight Pictures, and then the life story of Sarah Forbes Bonetta, a 19th Century Nigerian princess “gifted” to Queen Victoria with Benedict Cumberbatch’s SunnyMarch and BCC. For television, Edith’s Daughter has set up the series “Raising Wild” at Apple TV+, producing alongside Renee Zellweger and Toluca Pictures.
