Cynthia Erivo to Narrate New ‘Wicked’ Audiobook

Cynthia Erivo is getting behind the mic to voice a new audiobook edition of Gregory Maguire’s bestseller “Wicked.”

The actor, singer, and producer starred as Elphaba opposite Ariana Grande’s Glinda in the record-breaking film adaptation of “Wicked” from Universal Pictures. The sequel, “Wicked: For Good,” is scheduled to fly into theaters this November with Erivo reprising the role of Elphaba.

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The Erivo-narrated “Wicked” audiobook is set to be released July 1, 2025, by Recorded Books, RBmedia’s flagship audio brand. It’s available for pre-order from retailers including Audible, Apple Books and Google Play.

Maguire’s novel inspired the hit Broadway musical of the same name as well as the 2024 movie. The film had 10 nominations at this year’s Academy Awards, including best picture, best actress for Erivo, and best supporting actress for Ariana Grande; “Wicked” won two 2025 Oscars, for costume design and production design.

Erivo said in a statement about the forthcoming audiobook, “I’m incredibly excited to narrate ‘Wicked,’ especially after having had the privilege of portraying Elphaba on screen.”

She continued: “I feel deeply connected to Elphaba. We have been on quite the journey together, and now I’m eager to begin an adventure with her whilst exploring the full world of ‘Wicked’ and its myriad of other characters in the audiobook. I’m looking forward to bringing this incredible story to life in a new way for listeners, and I hope it resonates as deeply with them as I know it will with me.”

Maguire’s “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West,” first published in 1995, is a retelling of L. Frank Baum’s “The Wizard of Oz” from the Wicked Witch’s point of view. Elphaba is born with green skin, a precocious mind and a talent for magic. An outcast throughout her childhood, she finds acceptance at the University in the Emerald City. But when Elphaba discovers Oz’s darker side, she sets out to protect its unwanted creatures — and she’s branded as the Wicked Witch.

A previous audiobook of “Wicked,” narrated by John McDonough, was issued in 2005 from Recorded Books.

“Three decades after its debut, ‘Wicked’ remains one of the most clever revisionist novels of our time,” RBmedia chief content officer Troy Juliar said. “In that spirit, we’re revising and updating the narration of the audiobook to feature the novel’s most gifted interpreter. Cynthia’s work behind the mic, and her exploration of identity and belonging, will resonate with all who encounter it and bring these themes to life in a way that inspires and captivates a new generation.”