Cynthia Erivo Inks First-Look Deal With Universal Pictures

“Wicked” star Cynthia Erivo‘s production company, Edith’s Daughter, has signed a first-look deal with Universal Pictures.

The pact expands on the Tony, Grammy and Emmy-winning star’s relationship with the studio after Erivo starred as Elphaba in the highly-anticipated film adaptation of Broadway musical “Wicked.” Part 1 of the Jon M. Chu-directed film will be released on Friday, with the second chapter to follow next year. Erivo also starred as Harriet Tubman in “Harriet” from Universal’s specialty studio Focus Features, earning two Academy Award nominations — one for best actress and another for co-writing the film’s original song, “Stand Up.”

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“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,” said Erivo in a statement announcing the news. “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 Edith’s Daughter (named after her mother, Edith) 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 serves as executive vice president of the company, overseeing all television, film and unscripted development and production, with Juliet Phillips as creative executive.

“Cynthia’s world-class talent is matched only by her unwavering commitment to authenticity, representation, and empathy as a storyteller,” stated Cramer, 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.”

The company’s inaugural film, “Drift,” debuted to strong reviews as an official selection at the Sundance Film Festival in 2023. Next, Edith’s Daughter is developing a remake of the 1979 Bette Midler-starring film “The Rose” for Searchlight Pictures. The company is also developing a project based on the life Sarah Forbes Bonetta, a 19th Century Nigerian princess “gifted” to Queen Victoria; Benedict Cumberbatch’s SunnyMarch and the BBC will also produce. For television, Edith’s Daughter has set up the series “Raising Wild” at Apple, which the company is producing alongside Renee Zellweger and Toluca Pictures.

Erivo is repped by UTA, Entertainment 360, Peikoff Mahan and The Lede Company.