While blathering on about how Wanted is going to get a sequel, Rope of Silicon also talked about another stage musical making the jump to the big screen. Wicked. How these ended up in the same article I don’t know. But we already knew Wanted2 was coming, so I want to talk about Wicked!
The musical has set records that threaten the track record of legendary stage productions already breaking the BILLION mark and opening its 8th stage in Australia.
Rope of Silicon says the Stage production is based on a book:
The novel written by Gregory Maguire which is set in the land of Oz, centering on Elphaba, better known as the Wicked Witch of the West, only difference in this world is that she is not wicked; nor is she a formally schooled witch. Instead, she’s an insecure, unfortunately green Munchkinlander who’s willing to take radical steps to unseat the tyrannical Wizard of Oz.
Its been a long time since we have had a good frolicking witch movie!
And from those I know who have seen this musical on stage, they say it is wonderful. And you can question my sexual orientation all you want, but I love a good musical or stage production and wish I could get to see more of them. So although a feature film version would lack some of that magic of seeing it live, it might be the best alternative!
Whereas relative unknown names find fame on stage by getting cast in these productions, the feature film adaptations tend to have established actors taking on the stage friendly roles.
I wonder who they will get to star in this?
I can’t wait to see this as a movie. I definitely think they should try to use the original cast. They ARE the characters.
If not OBC, I agreed with someone’s suggestion of Megan Hilty for Galinda.
And I think I might die of happiness if Aaron Tveit played Fiyero :)
I say, no Adam Lambert as Fiyero. I don’t know the other parts well enough since I haven’t seen it on stage yet, but no. I’ve seen that video of him singing Dancing Through Life, and it was just awkward. Not believable at all.
The thought of having the original Broadway cast, like Idina and Kristen, in the movie sounds like a good idea, but that’s what I thought when I heard they were doing RENT the movie. Turns out that, although the movie was great, it didn’t get the appreciation it deserved like say Dreamgirls had. I think the main reason for this is because RENT fans were familiar with the cast and therefore there was no challenge for the actors to reprise their roles. It doesn’t do a disservice to the musical or the original actors if a new cast takes on the movie. Dreamgirls was a great representation of the original with a cast that hasn’t played the role before. The movie magic was finding actors that perfectly fit the role that haven’t already played it.
May I add on? I think that if they made the film based on the musical, then they wouldn’t be able to capture the effects you get when you’re watching it in a theatre. Think of the musical as a ‘treat’. I think a film based on the novel would be great if Tim Burton helped a bit! I mean, have you seen the Alice in Wonderland trailer? Looks awesome. Wicked was never meant to be this happy-go-lucky story, it really is a dark, mysterious romance/tragedy that moves you. And it doesn’t really matter if Idina and Kristin are too old, just look at the Benjamin Button special effects. They made Brad look 17! (Hottie!)
So if we HAD to pick a cast, whether it was musical or novel-based, my choice would be:
Elphaba-Idina Menzel or unknown actress
Glinda-Kristin Chenoweth, Megan Hilty, or unknown actress
Fiyero- Chace Crawford? (with a dark tan)or unknown actor
The Wizard- Anthony Hopkins
Madame Morrible- Bette Midler or Julie Andrews
Boq- Jamie Campbell Bower
Liir- actually, Adam Lambert would make a great older Liir
Thank you for reading!
I went to see the musical with school and i absolotely loved it! hopefully going again soon, ive been waiting for ages for it to be made into a film so i can watch it on demand. i cannot wait!
Ok, first and foremost, I have read the book Wicked twice, read Son of a Witch, and saw the musical in London in July. The book is the best I have ever read, and the musical was brilliant.
I think the film should be based on the NOVEL, not the musical. Now now…don’t fuss about the explicit relationship between Elphie and Fiyero in the novel, they can cut that stuff out, people. The novel has a better story in my opinion, a better characterization of the characters (for example, in the musical, they make Fiyero too ‘Disney-prince-charming’)Plus, they can make sequels if people enjoy it. As for the cast, I would love Megan Hilty as Glinda. She’s awesome (and not 40). And i would not like it if Anne Hathaway played Elphaba. As much as I like her, she’s not right for our favorite funny green jumping bean.
I really think that Helene York and Marcie Dodd should be given the rolls of Glinda and Elphaba respectively. They have incredible chemistry on stage. Helene York is a wonderful Glinda, she provides both comedic relief and a serious counter point to Elphalba, and Marcie Dodd is simply amazing I’m usually more of a logical thinker, but Dodd’s performance in Nashville completely blew me away. Her voice is so powerful and moving that its unbelievable.
Nicole Parker and Alli Mauzey should be Elphaba and G(a)linda.
Actually, Sarah Jessica Parker can sing rather well. She did Annie as a kid and has also done Once Upon A Mattress. In that one, she really belts out a song.
ok this is what i’ve heard,Idina is not too keen on jumping back into the green and Kristen said something like by the time they do start with the film she’ll be old enough to play madam morrible.
although the broadway cast would be awesome,ya know they will want to mess with it, omg like they messed up a chorus line ugh that was awful. but like someone else said if aint broke dont fix it.
so here goes my cast list:
Elphaba~ Eden Espinosa,Teal Wicks
Glinda~ Megan Hilty,Amy Adams
The Wizard~ Kevin Kline,Kelsey Grammer
Fiyero~James Marsden,Zac Efron ah maybe Adam Lambert
Nessarose~Jenna Leigh Green
Boq~Seth Green
Madam Morrible~Julie Andrews,Carol Burnett,or hum
Liza Minelli?
dunno just my thoughts……take care :)
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There is no other way to do this as a movie without Kristin and Idina. I’ve seen the show 5 times and although I wasn’t fortunate enough to see the original cast, all of the actresses playing the title roles were fantastic. However, the original cast soundtrack has been loaded in my CD player since 2004 and it never ceasesw to send chills down my spine when listening to K and I sing those tunes. It would be a major mistake and a discredit to the integrity of the entire world of Wicked to have anyone else in the title roles. I’ve seen Phantom four times on B’way and loved it everytime, but the movie didn’t work for me.Charasmatic as he may be Gerard Butler’s performance in the film predicated key changes in the original score and lacked the emotional punch in the gut at crucial times in the film. Whoever directs Wicked, should just leave well enough alone and for my monies worth should shoot the entire movie scene for scene from the B’way show. And please, don’t add any new numbers or give artistric license to the vocals in this show. I’t isn’t broke! Don’t even try to fix it or improve on it. It isn’t possible!
I acctually heard if they make the movie it will be the original broadway cast
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It would be great for the original cast of Wicked to reprise their roles in the big screen the way that most of the original cast of Rent reprised their roles for the movie. There are other wonderful pairings that also reprise their roles as Glinda & Elphaba: Christina DeCicco & Victoria Matlock, Megan Hilty & Eden Espinosa (who kicked butt in L.A.), Kendra Kassebaum & Stephanie J. Block, & the list goes on & on. If none of those actresses can play those roles, then in my opinion, I think that Anne Hathaway & Amy Adams would be great as both Glinda & Elphaba. I read in an article on the internet that Amy wants to play Elphaba. But when I heard Anne sing that high note @ this year’s Oscar awards, I was blown away that she has quite a range. They are fine actresses with Oscar nominations to prove it & they have beautiful singing voices.
@Gillian
You totally hit the nail right on the head about the director and the voice of Nicole Kidman. Baz should definately be the one to direct the movie should one be made. And as much as I love Moulin Rouge and appreciate Nicole’s voice for her character in it, there is no way she has the vocal capacity to sing any of Elphaba’s songs.
okay i know i’m a few months behind in leaving this comment, but firstly, as much as i would love for Kristen and Idina to play the roles, they’re much to old to play the roles, if they can’t pull it off on stage anymore, they certainly won’t be able to pull it off on screen.
secondly, i don’t think Schumacher would be good for doing it, i think Baz Luhrmann would be best for it, cause it think it’s more important to still be magical, if you get what i mean.
ps he did Romeo and Juliet and Moulin Rouge.
and Nicole Kidman as Elphaba? noooo, her voice is too high-pitched, Elphaba is supposed to have a strong voice and Galinda has the high-pitched, happy/cheery voice. It represents the difference, Galinda is rich, posh, self centered and super girly, where Elphaba is independent and not so girly.
if there’s one thing they need to get right with this film is that difference in their singing voices.
well, as far as the cast goes. kristin and idina are essentials. they still look young enough (kristin could probably convincingly play a 5-year-old and idina will be covered with green make-up anyways). then i think the only other original broadway cast that would even make sense would be joel grey as the wizard and carol shelley as madame morrible. however i think liza minelli would make a great morrible, plus it would be reuniting the cabaret team (and judy garland was her mother for god’s sake!). then the rest of the cast doesn’t matter.
and kristin and idina are well known enough for the roles. kristin is a freakin emmy nominy this year and idina has a successful music career. plus the’ve both done film work before.
so that’s my two cents!
I agree that I would be great to have the original Broadway cast, but let’s look at some obvious things here. We’re looking at a cast of basic unknown except to those who followed Wicked the Broadway and touring productions faithfully. It’s cool to have a few unknown faces with loads of talent, but you need a cast of established actors to have some kind of draw for the average movie goer. I don’t know who can fill the shoes of our favorite witches, but I hope that they choose wisely.
It might make a good movie, if they don’t kill it like they killed Hairspray.
@Bee, either you have some future seeing powers or you are confusing this with Nine, starring Cruz, Kidman and Daniel Day Lewis.
Mark Platt, who is producing Wicked is also producing a movie version of Nine which has those two in it. I highly doubt he would use the same combo in another movie right after it.
This movie has not been cast yet.
Actually the book was not good
The musical is the best I have seen!
and the movie has Nicole Kidman, Penelope Cruz and Daniel Craig…
I can see Nicole as Elphaba and she certainly has the voice!….
I agree. They should use the origional broadway cast if possible.
I have seen it on broadway and loved it!!!!!
They are the best at what they do.
Loved the book and the musical. Please don’t let it go to Hollywood. If anything let the origional Broadway cast be in it and leave out the Hollywood glam and special effects, I wouldn’t want to see someone like Hillary Duff or Brittney up there.
On that same note you mention Hairspray with its hollywood leads, the REAL lead of Hairspray was an unknown. Before Hairspray the only thing she starred in was her highschool musicals.
She did great in Hairspray, but she was far from Hollywood.
Personally, for casting, I do not think they should have Idina Menzel or Kristin Chenoweth. I love Idina, don’t get me wrong but, not for the movie. Remember people, they have to play both YOUNG college students and then their OLDER selves. And with every other movie adaptation of a musical…..they are most likely going to get Hollywood leads. I mean, look at Mamma Mia, Hairpray, and Chicago.
seems you have forgotten that when RENT was done as movie they wanted ALL the original off Broadway cast members and did get Idena then. She loved playing Elphaba and has been asked about that ahd had said she would deffinatly like to do that. she loved the role and was hard for her to leave, but that RENT also holds a very dear place in her heart and had to play her role there for the movie.
BB
DEb
I loved the musical, and not the book. Personally I think Victoria Matlock and Christina DeCicco should play the roles, they did an outstanding and incredible job in Boston and they would leave me speechless again in a movie I’m sure. Why not give them a great opportunity, they are just as good as Idina and Kristin.
I deff agree that idina and kristen should be the roles if not im sure they wil find someone fitting. i heard rumors abour anne hathaway and laura bell bundy but i dont like anne hathaway that much. we shall see.
There hasn’t been a lot of these musicals keeping with actual stage singers.
Not to say the stage singers are not good enough – clearly they are – but Hollywood will want some recognized actors to play the parts of the leads.
Known names sell movies. I only now know these names because people have brought them up on this comment section. I wouldnt know who they were to save my life before that.
I think they should get the original cast to do it. Idena and kristina then add the black guy I don’t remember his name from the touring cast he was really good
Its common knowledge in these parts that Schumacher is solely responsible for nearly a decade of no super hero movies since Hollywood wouldnt take another chance on the genre after what Schumacher did with it.
But I did love Phantom of the Opera, but that might have had something to do with Gerard Butler and Emmy Rossum too.
@Homero
You were talking about the director/ direction of the film. Well I thing Joel Schumacher could POSSIBILITY be a good choice. One of my favorite musical and movies is The Phantom of the Opera. I about popped my pants with just the cinematography alone. I am not saying he would be the best choice but he did a good job with one musical so far but at the same time he has many flops one of them being The Number 23. Some may even argue, myself included, that he ruined the Batman franchise until the Nolan reboot (Batman Begins). I am saying if he was capable of bring the creativity/ genius from The Phantom of the Opera to Wicked then it might turn out to be a pretty good movie. If there are others who agree or disagree on this point I would like some input on the issue.
Typically Broadway producers wouldn’t allow a flourishing musical still bringing in huge audiences to be turned into a movie just yet. Look what happened to Rent–it closed about a year after the movie came out depsite an impressive fan base.
Second, it would be cinema-suicide to film without Idina and Kristen. The musical theatre community would mutiny.
Finally, if you have read the book and not seen/heard the musical, you really must take make that leap. One has very little to do with other apart from concept.
I’ve been waiting for any kind of news for Wicked to become a movie. As long as they can get Idina and Kristin Chwnoweth the movie will be amazing.
About time!!
I hope they can get Idina Menzel (Elthaba) & Kristin Chwnoweth (Glinda) to reprise their roles.
I know that would be awesome!!! If they could get the OBC to do it would be FANTASTIC!!!!
Would ABSOLUTLY HAVE TO HAVE IDINA and Kristin! Heck Idena left rent to do wicked on broadway if remember correctly and then left wicked on broadway (breaking her leg right before her scheduled closing night on Wicked)They would have to use them. far as other parts, well I would have to say even though not sure if he would would be nice to see adam Lambbert reprise his role which he was the under study for.
BB
Deb
I completely agree-i can’t even imagine anyone else for those parts.
This was a great book, one of my favorites actully, really added depth to the land of OZ. In fact I used to say if I could ever finance a movie this is something I’d make.
The book was dark and I’m not sure about it being Musical, I didn’t see it, I’ll give it a shot.
Glad someone is finnaly doing it.
As a fan of the amazing spectacle that is the musical, all I ask is that a competent director who knows how to present characters and stories well, will be put in charge…
OH what a horrible suggestion kristina… jessica doesn’t have any balls do to either character. The stage production is magnficient, one of the best plays I have seen in a long time and I have no shame in saying that. I don’t know who, but to play elphaba, the lead actress has to be extremely stong willed and be able to belt out the songs because the singing part for her is tremendous. Otherwise, the good witch role could show up on a cutie who doesn’t have to sing (maybe like brittney murphy, though her prime may have passed…)
I have seen the musical, very good in my opinion. Ties in almost every unexplained element of the wizard off oz. The songs were very catchy – hope it stays a musical like chicargo.
brian
Can Sarah Jessica Parker sing? She sure looks the part.
i thought the book recieved a lot of unwarranted praise, but have not seen the musical.