The Unseen Star: 5 Shocking Facts About Cynthia Erivo's Secret Role In The Greatest Showman

The question of Cynthia Erivo’s involvement in The Greatest Showman remains one of Hollywood’s most intriguing "what-ifs." As of December 2025, while the powerhouse vocalist is currently dominating headlines for her lead role as Elphaba in the highly anticipated *Wicked* film franchise, a deep-dive into the history of the 2017 Hugh Jackman musical reveals a fascinating, largely unknown connection. Erivo was, in fact, an integral part of the movie’s origin story, lending her unparalleled talent to the project in a way that helped secure its eventual blockbuster status, despite not appearing in the final cinematic release.

This deep connection goes far beyond a simple audition; it involves a viral demo track, a star-studded workshop, and a crucial stage in the film’s development. The story of why Cynthia Erivo was not in *The Greatest Showman* is a compelling look behind the curtain of Hollywood casting and the critical role of Broadway talent in bringing movie musicals to life.

Cynthia Erivo: A Profile of the EGOT-Chasing Icon

Cynthia Erivo is a British actress, singer, and songwriter who has captivated audiences on both stage and screen. Her career is marked by a rapid ascent, characterized by critically acclaimed performances and a near-unprecedented collection of major awards.

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• Full Name: Cynthia Onyedinmanasu Chinasa Erivo
• Born: 8 January 1987 (Age 38 as of 2025)
• Birthplace: Stockwell, London, England
• Nationality: British
• Major Career Breakthrough: Her Broadway debut as Celie in the revival of *The Color Purple* (2015-2017).
• Awards Status: Erivo is a Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Award winner, making her one step away from achieving the coveted EGOT status. She has received two Academy Award nominations (Oscar) and a Golden Globe nomination for her work in the film *Harriet*.
• Key Film/TV Roles: *Harriet* (2019), *Bad Times at the El Royale* (2018), *The Outsider* (2020), *Luther: The Fallen Sun* (2023).
• Current Projects (2025/2026): Starring as Elphaba in *Wicked* (2024) and the sequel *Wicked: For Good* (2025), and a one-woman West End show adaptation of Bram Stoker's *Dracula*.

The Viral Demo: Cynthia Erivo’s Unseen Contribution to “Rewrite the Stars”

The most concrete evidence of Cynthia Erivo’s involvement in *The Greatest Showman* comes in the form of a now-legendary demo recording. Before the film was greenlit and before Zac Efron and Zendaya were cast as Phillip Carlyle and Anne Wheeler, the songwriting duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul needed powerful voices to sell their music to studio executives.

The Greatest Showman Workshop Cast

In the early stages, Hollywood studios were hesitant to fund a big-budget original movie musical. To convince 20th Century Fox, director Michael Gracey and star Hugh Jackman organized a crucial workshop and table read. This is where Broadway’s elite were brought in to perform the songs live.

• Erivo’s Role: Cynthia Erivo was part of this core Broadway group, performing the song that would eventually become "Rewrite the Stars."
• The Partner: She performed the duet alongside fellow Broadway star Jeremy Jordan, who was singing the male lead role later taken by Zac Efron.
• The Purpose: This performance, along with others by the workshop cast, was instrumental in demonstrating the emotional power and commercial viability of the Pasek and Paul score, ultimately leading to the film's production.

The Demo That Went Viral

The demo recording of Erivo and Jordan singing “Rewrite the Stars” has since circulated online, becoming a viral sensation among musical theatre fans. Her vocal performance is a masterclass in dynamic control and raw emotion. While the final film version is beloved, the demo offers a different, more theatrical interpretation of the song.

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The demo stands as a powerful testament to the caliber of talent that was considered for the movie. For many fans, the Erivo/Jordan version is a thrilling glimpse into an alternate casting reality, showcasing Erivo’s ability to elevate any musical material she touches.

Why Cynthia Erivo Didn't Make the Final Greatest Showman Cast

The primary intention behind the initial workshop was to secure funding and production, not necessarily to finalize the cast. While Erivo’s performance was reportedly stunning, the final casting decisions for a major motion picture often pivot on factors beyond just vocal talent, including star power, chemistry with the established leads, and the overall vision for the film's demographic appeal.

The Hollywood Factor

When a project transitions from a Broadway workshop to a major Hollywood film, the casting pool widens significantly. The roles of Phillip Carlyle (Zac Efron) and Anne Wheeler (Zendaya) were ultimately filled by established movie stars with massive global appeal, a common strategy for big-budget musicals.

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The role Erivo was reportedly considered for was the one eventually played by Zendaya, or potentially the Bearded Lady, Lettie Lutz, which went to Tony-nominated actress Keala Settle. Settle's performance of "This Is Me" became the film’s iconic anthem, solidifying her place in the final cast.

A Blessing in Disguise

Interestingly, the timing of *The Greatest Showman* production coincided with Erivo’s exploding career on Broadway. She was fresh off her Tony Award-winning run in *The Color Purple*, a role that demanded immense commitment. Her subsequent career trajectory—starring as the titular role in the Oscar-nominated film *Harriet* and now taking on the monumental role of Elphaba in *Wicked*—suggests that missing out on *The Greatest Showman* allowed her to pursue other monumental projects that further cemented her status as a global superstar. Her focus shifted quickly to dramatic film roles and other musical endeavors, including her own original music.

Erivo’s Legacy in The Greatest Showman’s History

While Cynthia Erivo’s face doesn't appear in the movie, her voice and talent are permanently etched into the film's production history. The story serves as a powerful reminder of the deep well of talent within the theatrical community that often contributes to Hollywood's biggest successes.

The Enduring Entities

The entire saga links several major theatrical and cinematic entities:

• P.T. Barnum's Legacy: The film's historical context.
• Keala Settle's "This Is Me": The song that took the role of the Bearded Lady to global fame.
• Pasek and Paul: The celebrated songwriting team behind *Dear Evan Hansen* and *La La Land*.
• Hugh Jackman: The film’s star and driving force.
• The Broadway-to-Hollywood Pipeline: A clear example of how Broadway talent fuels movie musical development, even when the final cast differs.

In conclusion, the mystery of Cynthia Erivo and *The Greatest Showman* is not a story of rejection, but one of foundational contribution. Her powerful demo of "Rewrite the Stars," alongside Jeremy Jordan, was a vital component that helped the movie get made. Today, as she prepares to defy gravity as Elphaba in the two-part *Wicked* film, Erivo’s career continues its dazzling ascent, proving that sometimes, the roles you don't take pave the way for the roles that define a generation.