Cynthia Erivo Says She Declines ‘a Lot’ of Roles Because She Knows When ‘Something Is Right’
Cynthia Erivo Says She Declines ‘a Lot’ of Roles Because She Knows When ‘Something Is Right’
Angelique BrenesTue, October 13, 2026 at 10:35 PM UTC
0
Cynthia Erivo attends the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art Opening Night on September 19, 2026, in Los Angeles.Credit: Presley Ann/GettyThe actress said she relies on an “internal metronome” to determine which roles are right for her -
Cynthia Erivo says she turns down “a lot” of roles when they don’t feel right for her
The Wicked star said in an Oct. 12 interview that she trusts her instincts when deciding which projects to pursue
Erivo recently wrapped her one-woman Dracula production and has several upcoming film projects
Cynthia Erivo has learned to trust her instincts when choosing her next project, even if that means turning down opportunities.
During a Monday, Oct. 12 Screen Talk at the 70th BFI London Film Festival, the Wicked star, 39, discussed her approach to selecting roles, explaining that she has a clear sense of when a project is the right fit for her, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
“I feel like I have an internal metronome that tells me when something is right for me, and when something is not,” Erivo said, according to the outlet.
That instinct has led her to decline numerous offers for potential projects, THR reported.
The three-time Oscar nominee has continued to take on ambitious roles across film, television and theater, including her recent turn in the West End production of Dracula, in which she played the titular vampire and 22 additional characters in a one-woman show that ran from February to May.
“I think I run towards a challenge,” Erivo told PEOPLE at the Toronto International Film Festival in September, where her new drama Prima Facie premiered.
Cynthia Erivo attending the screening of Prima Facie as part of the BFI’s London film festivalCredit: Ian West/PA Images via Getty
Reflecting on the experience of playing 23 characters onstage, Erivo described the production as unlike anything she had done before.
“It feels delightful to have come away from that and to have come through it,” she continued. “I feel very proud of myself for being able to come through it and do it. It was a crazy experience, one unlike any that I’ve ever had in my life before.”
Advertisement
Although she said she was unsure whether she would take on a similar task again anytime soon, Erivo expressed pride in what she had accomplished.
“I don’t know that I will be doing something like that again soon!” she said. “Never say never. But it was a lot and it took a lot and I feel stronger for it, but I’m very proud of it.”
Erivo’s latest projects have kept her busy beyond the stage. She is preparing to headline a concert at the Hollywood Bowl on Thursday, Oct. 15, following previous appearances at the historic Los Angeles venue in 2021 and 2025.
The performer has also been preparing for the concert by refining her setlist during performances at outdoor venues throughout the past two years, telling PEOPLE that she has gradually incorporated songs she wants to perform at the Hollywood Bowl.
Cynthia Erivo poses ahead of the Screen Talk during the 70th BFI London Film FestivalCredit: Joe Maher/Getty
— sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
“There’s a lot going on right now and a lot of it is made up of wishful fulfillment and dreams coming true, and others are things that have surprised me,” Erivo said of this period in her career. “I am grateful for all of it.”
Her upcoming projects also include Karoshi, scheduled to hit theaters on Jan. 29, 2027, Bad Fairies, set for release on May 21, 2027, as well as Children of Blood and Bone, which is slated to arrive in theaters on Jan. 15, 2027.
on People
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
