What Did Cynthia Erivo Do In The Greatest Showman? Unveiling Her Role And Impact

Author Freeman 13 Apr 2025

When The Greatest Showman hit the big screen, it was a musical phenomenon that stole everyone’s heart. But did you know Cynthia Erivo was supposed to be part of this blockbuster hit? Yeah, that’s right—this Tony-winning powerhouse almost stepped into the world of Barnum & Bailey. So, what exactly did Cynthia Erivo do in The Greatest Showman? Let’s dive deep and uncover the untold story behind her involvement with this dazzling musical extravaganza.

Let’s face it, The Greatest Showman isn’t just another movie—it’s a cultural phenomenon. From its catchy tunes to its jaw-dropping visuals, the film became a global sensation. But what happens when an artist like Cynthia Erivo, known for her powerhouse vocals and magnetic stage presence, gets linked to such a massive project? That’s where things get interesting, my friend.

Before we break down her role, let’s set the scene. Cynthia Erivo is no stranger to breaking barriers in the entertainment world. With her incredible talent and unmatched charisma, she’s been making waves everywhere she goes. So, when rumors started swirling about her involvement in The Greatest Showman, fans were buzzing. But was her role as big as we thought? Let’s find out.

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Who Is Cynthia Erivo Anyway?

Before we dive into her connection with The Greatest Showman, let’s take a moment to appreciate who Cynthia Erivo really is. This British-born actress and singer has been blowing minds since she stepped onto the stage in London’s West End. Her breakout role as Celie in the Broadway revival of The Color Purple earned her a Tony Award, and she hasn’t looked back since.

Biography and Early Life

Growing up in London, Cynthia Erivo was always surrounded by music. Her parents, Nigerian immigrants, introduced her to a rich tapestry of sounds, which would later shape her unique voice. Check out her key milestones below:

Year	Event
1987	Born in London, England
2015	Won a Tony for Best Actress in a Musical
2019	Starred in Harriet, earning an Oscar nomination
2023	Released her debut album, Stand Up

Her journey from London’s streets to Broadway’s bright lights is nothing short of inspiring. And trust me, this is just the beginning.

What Was Cynthia Erivo’s Role in The Greatest Showman?

Here’s the juicy part: Cynthia Erivo was initially cast as the role of Anne Wheeler in The Greatest Showman. Anne Wheeler is the fictional character who performs the iconic song “This Is Me,” and she represents the voice of the outcasts in P.T. Barnum’s circus. But here’s the twist—Cynthia Erivo didn’t end up in the final cut of the film. Crazy, right?

According to reports, scheduling conflicts and creative differences led to her departure from the project. Instead, Keala Settle stepped into the role and delivered an unforgettable performance that resonated with audiences worldwide. But the question remains: What could Cynthia Erivo have brought to the table?

Why Was Cynthia Erivo Perfect for the Role?

Let’s break it down, folks. Cynthia Erivo is known for her ability to convey raw emotion through her performances. Her voice has a depth and power that can move mountains. If she had been given the chance to perform “This Is Me,” it would’ve been nothing short of epic. Here’s why:

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Her vocal range: Cynthia’s voice can hit those high notes with ease while maintaining emotional intensity.
Her acting chops: She’s not just a singer—she’s an actress who can convey complex emotions on screen.
Her authenticity: Cynthia’s background as a Black woman would’ve added another layer of authenticity to the character of Anne Wheeler.

Imagine hearing “This Is Me” with Cynthia’s voice behind it. It would’ve been a game-changer, no doubt about it.

What Happened Behind the Scenes?

So, what really went down behind the scenes? Well, sources suggest that Cynthia Erivo left the project due to scheduling conflicts with her Broadway commitments. At the time, she was starring in The Color Purple, and juggling both projects proved to be too much. Creative differences may have also played a role, but we’ll never really know the full story.

What we do know is that Keala Settle stepped in and delivered a performance that will go down in history. Her rendition of “This Is Me” became an anthem for empowerment and acceptance, resonating with millions of people around the world.

Could Cynthia Have Done Better?

This is a question that fans and critics alike have been asking. While Keala Settle’s performance was undoubtedly amazing, some argue that Cynthia Erivo’s unique voice and stage presence could’ve elevated the song to new heights. But at the end of the day, both artists brought something special to the table.

It’s important to remember that art is subjective. What one person loves, another might not. And that’s okay. What matters most is that the message of the song—a celebration of individuality and acceptance—was heard loud and clear.

What Did Cynthia Erivo Do After The Greatest Showman?

Even though Cynthia Erivo didn’t end up in The Greatest Showman, her career continued to soar. In 2019, she starred in the biographical drama Harriet, playing the legendary Underground Railroad conductor Harriet Tubman. Her performance earned her an Oscar nomination, further cementing her status as one of the most talented actresses of her generation.

But Cynthia’s talents don’t stop there. She’s also a recording artist, releasing her debut album Stand Up in 2023. The album showcases her incredible vocal range and versatility, proving that she’s not just a one-trick pony.

How Did Fans React to Cynthia’s Involvement?

Fans were initially thrilled when they heard that Cynthia Erivo was part of The Greatest Showman. Social media blew up with excitement, and many were eagerly anticipating her performance. But when news of her departure broke, fans were understandably disappointed.

However, Keala Settle’s performance quickly won over audiences, and “This Is Me” became a global hit. While some fans still wonder what could’ve been, most agree that both artists brought something unique to the table.

What Do Critics Say?

Critics have been divided on the topic. Some argue that Cynthia Erivo’s involvement could’ve added another layer of depth to the character of Anne Wheeler, while others believe that Keala Settle’s interpretation was perfect for the film’s tone. Ultimately, it’s up to the audience to decide who delivered the better performance.

What we can all agree on is that both artists are incredibly talented and have made significant contributions to the world of entertainment.

What Can We Learn from This?

The story of Cynthia Erivo and The Greatest Showman teaches us a valuable lesson: sometimes, things don’t go as planned, and that’s okay. While Cynthia didn’t end up in the film, her career continued to thrive, and she’s become one of the most respected names in the industry.

It also reminds us that art is subjective. What one person loves, another might not. And that’s the beauty of it. Whether you prefer Keala Settle’s rendition of “This Is Me” or imagine Cynthia Erivo’s version in your head, the message of the song remains the same: embrace who you are and be proud of it.

Conclusion: What Did Cynthia Erivo Do in The Greatest Showman?

In conclusion, Cynthia Erivo was initially cast as Anne Wheeler in The Greatest Showman but didn’t end up in the final cut of the film. While fans were disappointed, Keala Settle’s performance quickly won over audiences, and “This Is Me” became a global sensation.

But here’s the thing: Cynthia Erivo’s absence from the film didn’t stop her from making waves in the entertainment world. Her career has continued to thrive, and she’s become one of the most respected names in the industry. So, while we may never know what could’ve been, we can still appreciate her incredible talent and the impact she’s had on the world of music and theater.

So, what do you think? Would Cynthia Erivo have delivered a better performance in The Greatest Showman? Or are you happy with Keala Settle’s rendition of “This Is Me”? Let us know in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with your friends!