Cynthia Erivo Inks First-Look Deal With Universal Pictures

variety.com:

Angelique Jackson “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.” “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.