5 Shocking Secrets About Cynthia Erivo's Unseen Role In The Greatest Showman

The question of Cynthia Erivo's connection to The Greatest Showman often sparks intense curiosity among fans, given her status as one of the most powerful vocalists and stage actors of her generation. While the celebrated musical film, released in 2017, features a star-studded cast including Hugh Jackman and Zendaya, Erivo’s name is conspicuously absent from the final credits. The truth, however, is that the Tony, Grammy, and Emmy winner was an absolutely crucial, but entirely unseen, player in the movie’s developmental journey, helping to forge the very songs that became global hits. As of December 2025, with Erivo’s star power soaring thanks to her starring role in the upcoming Wicked films, the story of her contribution to this P.T. Barnum-inspired spectacle is more relevant than ever, offering a fascinating look at how Broadway talent shapes Hollywood’s biggest musicals.

This deep dive reveals the behind-the-scenes reality: Cynthia Erivo was integral to the musical’s DNA, lending her phenomenal voice to the songs during the crucial workshop phase. Her involvement was a testament to her strong relationship with the songwriting team, Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, and her performance of key musical numbers provides a tantalizing 'what if' scenario for fans of the blockbuster movie. Her work on the film’s pre-production is a masterclass in how a powerhouse performer can influence a project without ever stepping onto the final set.

Cynthia Erivo: A Brief Biography and Career Profile

Cynthia Onyedinmanasu Chinasaokwu Erivo is a British actress, singer, and songwriter, born on January 8, 1987, in London, England, to Nigerian parents. Her career trajectory is defined by a rapid ascent from the London stage to international stardom, marked by numerous prestigious awards and critically acclaimed performances. She is one award away from achieving EGOT status (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony).

• Full Name: Cynthia Onyedinmanasu Chinasaokwu Erivo
• Born: January 8, 1987 (Age 38 as of late 2025)
• Birthplace: London, England
• Parents: Nigerian Immigrants
• Education: Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA)
• Breakthrough Role (Stage): Celie in the Broadway revival of The Color Purple (2015–2017)
• Major Awards: Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical, Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album (both for The Color Purple), Emmy Award for Outstanding Morning Program (for a performance on Today Show).
• Notable Filmography: Bad Times at the El Royale (2018), Widows (2018), Harriet (2019, received Oscar nominations for Best Actress and Best Original Song), The Outsider (2020), Genius: Aretha (2021).
• Current/Upcoming Projects (2024-2025): Elphaba in the two-part film adaptation of Wicked (Part One released in November 2024, Part Two scheduled for November 2025), and hosting the 2025 Tony Awards.

The Untold Story: Erivo’s Crucial Workshop Role

The biggest secret about Cynthia Erivo’s connection to The Greatest Showman is that she was a vital part of the film's creative development, long before the cameras started rolling. In the world of musical theater and film, a "workshop" is a crucial phase where actors and singers perform the script and songs for the creative team to test the material, refine the music, and guide casting decisions. Erivo, already a Tony Award winner for her electrifying performance in The Color Purple, was brought in because of her extraordinary vocal talent and her close working relationship with the film’s songwriters, Benj Pasek and Justin Paul.

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1. She Sang the Demo for "Rewrite the Stars"

The most significant and surprising revelation is that Cynthia Erivo was the voice behind the original demo recording for the hit duet "Rewrite the Stars." This song, which became a global sensation and a staple of the film, is performed in the movie by Zendaya (as Anne Wheeler) and Zac Efron (as Phillip Carlyle). Erivo recorded the female lead part in the demo alongside songwriter Justin Paul, who sang the male role. This demo recording was an essential tool for Pasek and Paul to present the song to the studio executives and the film’s producers, proving its emotional power and musical structure. Her performance effectively set the initial vocal standard and tone for what would become one of the movie's most beloved tracks.

Fans can still find this rare, powerful demo recording online, which showcases Erivo’s signature vocal runs and astonishing range applied to the pop-operatic style of the song. The contrast between her raw, Broadway-honed interpretation and Zendaya's lighter, pop-leaning film version offers a fascinating study in character and casting choices.

2. She Performed in Rehearsals with Hugh Jackman and Keala Settle

Erivo’s involvement extended beyond just recording demos. She participated in a high-profile workshop and rehearsal session for the film, performing scenes and songs alongside the movie’s eventual stars. Footage from these early sessions shows Erivo in a rehearsal room with Hugh Jackman and Keala Settle (who played Lettie Lutz, the Bearded Lady). She was specifically seen rehearsing the powerful, emotional ensemble number "From Now On," which is sung by Jackman’s character, P.T. Barnum, and the ensemble after the circus fire.

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This experience placed Erivo right in the heart of the creative process, contributing her dramatic prowess and vocal strength to shape the emotional beats of the film's biggest moments. Her presence alongside Broadway colleagues like Jeremy Jordan and Andrew Keenan-Bolger during these workshops highlights the production's reliance on established stage talent to perfect the musical material before filming began.

3. The "What If" Role: A Possible Anne Wheeler

While Erivo was never officially cast in the film, her performance of the "Rewrite the Stars" demo strongly suggests she was considered, or at least used as a vocal blueprint, for the role of Anne Wheeler, the trapeze artist. Ultimately, the role went to Zendaya, a decision that aligned with the studio's desire for a global pop star and actress to play opposite Zac Efron, appealing to a massive, younger audience. However, the fact that Erivo's voice was the initial sound for the song provides a tantalizing "what if" scenario for fans. Had the production leaned more heavily toward a traditional, powerhouse Broadway vocal, Erivo would have been the perfect fit for a character whose voice needed to soar above the spectacle.

Erivo’s Legacy: From Workshop to Wicked (2024/2025)

Cynthia Erivo’s behind-the-scenes work on The Greatest Showman serves as a powerful footnote to her career, illustrating her deep connection to the modern musical landscape. Her collaboration with Pasek and Paul continued, cementing her status as a go-to vocalist for the industry's top composers.

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Today, Erivo’s career has exploded into the mainstream, far surpassing the profile of a workshop performer. Her Oscar-nominated turn as Harriet Tubman in Harriet and her upcoming, highly-anticipated role as Elphaba in the two-part film adaptation of the Broadway phenomenon Wicked (with Part One released in November 2024 and Part Two coming in November 2025) have made her one of Hollywood’s most sought-after talents. Her casting in Wicked, another major musical film, is a full-circle moment that demonstrates her transition from a developmental voice to a leading lady on the biggest cinematic stage.

In conclusion, while you will never spot Cynthia Erivo in the vibrant, colorful scenes of The Greatest Showman, her voice is woven into the very fabric of its success. Her work on the "Rewrite the Stars" demo and her presence in the early workshops were essential steps in transforming the musical’s score from notes on a page into the global hits that defined the film. Her unseen contribution is a perfect example of how the elite talent of the Broadway world secretly powers Hollywood's biggest musical blockbusters.