There's No Place Like Hollywood for 'Wicked'

IGN is a really good place to get your movie news, I must say. They have their own stories and they're really good about wading through the mountains of industry headlines to find interesting ones, and that's the case here with a story they plucked from Variety. (I do wish they'd link to the story on Variety, because that site's internal search is a complete goddamn waste of time). Because great things are expected out of Mamma Mia! (we may not see those results initially, but this thing will be in theaters around the world clear through Labor Day), Universal is skimming the cream of Broadway again, reaching a deal to bring Wicked to theaters. Talk about a movie that'll make a lot of money... The musical has been an enormous hit, it's based on a very popular book, and with musicals suddenly getting as much play as comic book movies - and wouldn't be something to counterprogram every superhero movie with a musical, like they're doing this week? - I'm frankly very surprised that this one hasn't already happened. In a way, though, that's a good thing, because it allows everybody to get their ducks in a row; after all, nobody wants a repeat of The Producers, now do they? In fact, it appears that Universal has held the rights to the musical for a decade, which shows tremendous foresight, because musicals have only been in vogue again for about five years. So why the delay? Universal honcho Donna Langley says, "Our goal now is absolutely to make the Wicked film, but much like Judy Craymer wouldn't give up screen rights to Mamma Mia! until the stage show had reached its pinnacle, Marc and Stephen Schwartz are very mindful of the right timing. But we're dying to do it." And if you look at the recent headlines that indicate Mamma Mia! performances are once again enjoying brisk business in advance of the release of the film adaptation, what Donna Langley really means is, "this way, everyone gets richer." Though we don't have such details yet, it's completely logical to let Kristin Chenoweth reprise her role as Glinda, The Good Witch of the North. She knows the part, she's a great singer, she's very photogenic, and her TV and movie career is slowly building some momentum. We also went to the same high school, so that's my trivia for the day. I suppose you could cast Idina Menzel as the Wicked Witch of the West, since she originated that role on Broadway, although cynically, I think the studio would want a bigger name star in that very showy role. There's no release date yet, but we'll keep you posted.

Comments

[Orinn]

unfortunately I am far to lazy to read a book, so I've wanted this to happen.
Being a person that doesn't read books let me tell you that the cover on this book is AMAZING. It is simple beautiful and it makes me want to take a closer look, me being a person who does not read books.

[Bettie]

Idina Menzel OWNS that roll. She proved so by winning the Tony. All those people who are huge fans of the musical know that...They will demand she be Elphaba. That is the way we want this film to be made. Let us hope that's what comes to pass. Are you reading this Universal?

[Berrett]

Unfortunately as Phantom proved with ALW and Warners, The fans don't get what they want the studio does. Although I think Idina should definitely do the role I think Chenoweth could be replaced and I wouldn't care as much

[Mel]

No way would they cast Kristin Chenoweth. She can pull off being a teenager on stage, but that just won't work on film, no matter how young she looks for her age!

[Rob]

Kristen and Idina rule! But, let's not forget "The Producers". When the fans got their wish with Matthew and Nathan, well the result was not good. They were way too over the top for a movie. Was it director error. Yes, but it also was the wrong actors for the movie.

[Zeke]

I love the book, I love the musical, I'm scared to death of the movie. I just don't want it to suck. My fear is that all the things that make the musical great will not translate well to film. Part of the spectacle is what they are able to do live on stage - it's amazing there but so easily accomplished on film. It just wouldn't seem as impressive.

That said, miracles do happen. I am a huge fan of "Chicago: The Musical" and thought that making a movie was a HUGE mistake. I had to eat those words after seeing the genius that Rob Marshall displayed when directing that.

Time will tell...

[Madeline]

If Idina Menzel does not play Elphaba if and when they make a Wicked movie, it would be a HUGE mistake. NOBODY can pull off that role but her. Kristen is awesome too, but please, the best would be Idina.

so what if she's not a BIG NAME, she is to her fans.

and i also think that if they do make a Wicked movie, it will 100% not be as good as the actual production on Broadway. But i'm going to be majorly upset if they do not cast Idina.

[Kait]

I personally think not casting Idina and Kristen would be a huge mistake. So many fans would choose not to see the movie simply because of that. They each created their roles and brought them to life. Kristen has proved herself able to be on tv and i dont think it would be the same without her. And lets not forget that idina has already proved herself able to transform her character onto the big screen in RENT. with that saying i would have to agree with zeke, some of the magic might just be lost on the screen. we'll just ahve to wait and see