You’ll Never Guess the Jedi Cynthia Erivo Secretly Played in Star Wars

LOS ANGELES — Cynthia Erivo may be best known for her powerhouse performance as Elphaba in Wicked, but the Tony and Grammy-winning actress also has a surprising connection to the Star Wars universe.

A Jedi Named Kratu

Before her rise as the Wicked Witch of the West, Erivo lent her voice to Kratu, a humanoid Jedi featured in Season 2 of Star Wars: Visions. The animated anthology series explores unique stories across the galaxy, each produced by different animation studios.

Kratu appears in the season’s final episode, set on the mountainous planet Korba. The Jedi’s mission is to purify kyber crystals — the powerful elements used to build lightsabers. The Sith had damaged the crystals, but through song, a young Korban child named Aau restores them. While Erivo’s character doesn’t sing, her presence anchors the emotional story.

Visions: A Hidden Gem

Though The Mandalorian and other live-action series dominate headlines, Star Wars: Visions has quietly become one of the franchise’s most acclaimed projects. With a 98% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes, the series has been praised for its artistry and originality. Critics have compared it to Netflix’s Love, Death & Robots for its anthology format and diverse animation styles.

Erivo’s Expanding Legacy

Erivo’s role in Visions highlights her versatility. From Broadway stages to blockbuster films, she continues to expand her creative reach. Her performance as Kratu adds another layer to her career, connecting her to one of pop culture’s most enduring franchises.

What’s Next

With three seasons of Visions already available and a fourth reportedly in development, fans have plenty of opportunities to revisit Erivo’s Jedi role. For those who only know her as Elphaba, discovering her voice in Star Wars is a delightful surprise.