Breaking Down “Defying Gravity”: ‘Wicked’s Cynthia Erivo, Jon M. Chu & Crafts Team On Stunts, Singing Live & Finding Elphaba’s Iconic Note

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EXCLUSIVE: Unlimited is not just a melodic lyric used in one of the most iconic songs in Broadway history.

It also reflects the determination of those in front of and behind the camera that brought ’s pièce de résistance “Defying Gravity” to life onscreen.

The show-stopping battle cry is a declaration of self-acceptance from the witch Elphaba Thropp, played by Cynthia Erivo, after going through most of her life as an outcast. “We worked tirelessly to make ‘Defying Gravity’ feel like this gigantic set piece,” says editor Myron Kerstein. “We have the balloon and the flying monkey chase beforehand, and those scenes don’t need to be there, but it helps the audience, who may have expectations of where they’re going to go next, to sort of keep them on their feet and enjoy the ride.” Originally unscripted and deterring from the stage version, director Jon M.

Chu showcased Elphaba’s inner turmoil as a free fall that leads to reconciling with her childhood self. “It felt like there was something missing in her journey,” says Chu. “It didn’t give an emotional full circle for her. [I asked] what did she actually need to resolve?