"Wicked" is Finally Officially For Real Coming Soon
Friday, June 17, 2016 at 7:17AM 
Musical lovers have finally gotten the long rumored news they've impatiently waited for: Wicked is officially a go! The film will be directed by Stephen Daldry and open on December 20, 2019 - a likely guaranteed holiday hit like Into the Woods and Les Miserables.
While that is still awhile to wait for the big screen adaptation, this announcement comes after more than a decade of crumbs and non-starting rumors for the fanbase. The hope for original stars Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth has long gone out the window, so casting is the next phase to obsess over. While Universal likes to keep their musicals star loaded (think Les Mis and Mamma Mia), my suspicion is that some expected names won't be in the running... sorry, Lea Michele.
Which is all the better for the green leading lady. Daldry has a gift for finding new talent, so why not give us a new talent to make Elphaba's sense of discovery all the more meaningful. Maybe if it's not a completely fresh face this could be where a Broadway star shows up. Also how many times can we hear "Defying Gravity" before those notes aren't as emotionally transporting? Give us someone who can take us to unexpected emotional and musical heights! Recent Tony winner Cynthia Erivo, for example - her Tony's solo should be all the proof you need (starts at 2:48).
For Glinda, I have a bolder recommendation...
Now, before you sideye, consider her surprisingly on point goofiness during her SNL stint. Grande has the glamour to sell Glinda's vanity while still being a charming physical comedian. The question mark would be Act 2's more challenging emotional arc but her soulful vocals could do the heavy lifting. Sure she's nothing like Chenoweth (or replacements like Megan Hilty), but with a musical as ubitiquitous as this we are going to need some surprises and new takes. She would also be age appropriate and why not have a popstar play Miss "Popular" herself?
Forget I just mentioned age appropriateness and remember that this is a world in which Billy Magnussen:
- Exists
- Can sing
- Hasn't played a romantic lead in a film yet
Doesn't that a Fiyero make? Just look at that gif, nod and agree.
Madame Morrible isn't an exciting part, but Carol Kane has already played her on Broadway and any chance for us to have more of her is excitement enough. Ben Platt already fangirled out for Meryl in Ricki and the Flash, so why not fangirl out for Elphie too as Boq - Universal probably wants some Pitch Perfect blood in there, too. Doctor Dillamond is easy to imagine becoming a motion capture character, so let's go the safe route and guess Andy Serkis.
So what about the Wizard? The part isn't vocally demanding, so that frees up plenty of older famous actors that will be a suitable fit. You can imagine they will go after a big name to reflect Elphaba's awe for him in the audience, but he also has the unimposing man behind the curtain. I'd go for returning Daldry veteran Tom Hanks.
Who would you like to see cast in Wicked?
Reader Comments (32)
Billy Magnussen? Hell yes! Just sign me up for that.
I actually love your casting choices. I just doubt the Grande, even if she does have a musical background and is tight with Jason Robert Brown. I woud just maybe add Kristin Chenoweth ad Madame Morrible, she sure can't play Glinda now but would be nice to see her in the movie in some way. And I don't know where to fit Idina, but girl should be there also.
I have a feeling Anna Kendrick will be cast on this. I wouldn't mind it but I would love some adventurous casting. But can we just rejoyce for a second that there is no sign of Rob Marshall near this?
Get out of my head, Nathaniel! I thought of Cynthia Erivo right before getting to the paragraph in which you suggested her. So inspired! And Hollywood would have no excuse not to consider actresses of color because Wicked will sell tickets regardless of who's cast, Elphaba is green anyway, and quite a few performers of color already have played her on stage.
How about options for Nessarose? No one immediately comes to my mind, but it seems like a role perfect for a lesser-known, young actress
"Musical lovers have finally gotten the long rumored news they've impatiently waited for: Wicked is officially a go!"
meanwhile, discerning musical lovers will continue to ignore this hideous show
Laura Benanti and Megan Hilty should star.
Love Magnussen but I was really intrigued by the Harry Styles rumors (ducks). I'm not a 1 direction fan but that kid has charisma for days and (judging by skits and things floating on the Internet and his being cast in Dunkirk) can act.
Love the Grande idea as well as Kane and Hanks. Though my feeling is they might go more musical theater Titans for those roles (either Menzel or Chenowith seem likely) and then just because of "musicals" and a men they might go with Jackman for Oz. but I like your ideas better.
Love Irivo but wondering if she might read as too "old"? She definitely has the talent and oozes elegance and maturity but those two might make it difficult for her to be cast in a coming-of-age type role. But 100% yes for a black Elphaba-- considering the overt subtext (is that a thing?) it has always seemed weird to me that the two leads (and to a degree the show generally) skews very white in its casting.
**Erivo
Wicked - Yes, please!
Tony Kushner's West Side Story - Really?
Gypsy starring Barbra Streisand - Stop this!
BBIIILLLLY! Yes yes yes. And yes to Erivo and Hilty. Also, I'm with Peggy Sue: please Tony, please Barbra, just no.
Phillipa Soo for Elphaba
Phillipa Soo for Elphaba
Phillipa Soo for Elphaba
Phillipa Soo for Elphaba
No one can replace Menzel and Chenoweth, but yeah they can't register to play these roles anymore.
YES YES YES to Philipa Soo as Elphaba, Jim. She's leaving Hamilton and rumoured to want to have a movie career. She's young, talented, and anyone can use the ubiquitous Hamilton goodwill.
Plus, OMG I was so suprised to see her sitting next to Steven Pasquale at the Tonys, and I just found out that they are indeed a couple and engaged to be married!!!
Casting Ariana might also make some huge sense, Billy is a no-brainer, and I need Carol Kane in more stuff on this Earth.
And I cannot believe you guys haven't posted it here, but Daisy Ridley was on an audition to be on Barbra's Gypsy, which later resulted in her singing At The Ballet with Barbra herself and Anne Hathaway. It's a sublime thing to behold that recording.
@Craver...Daisy sounded very pretty but very limited.
Lea Michele's name may not be big enough to fill movie theatre seats but it's a safe bet that she'd do the role some justice. If they want to stray away from the obvious choice I suggest another Glee alum, Melissa Benoist, who's voice is just as big as Michele's. Television seems to be enjoying her as Supergirl and she already has a Best Picture nominee under her belt with Whiplash.
As for Glinda...I'm sort of loving your suggestion for Grande. Her vocals and comic skills are undeniable. But the last time a pop star was in a musical it didn't turn out too well. Sorry, Fergie. With Glee on the brain, Becca Tobin would do just fine.
LILY TOMLIN as Madame Morrible -ALL THE WAY! We know she can sing.
I want to see Idina and Cheno make a cameo in it!!
Nice call on Grande. She'd be perfect!
Let me think about Elphie....Who could it be??
@ Mojo
Do you mean Burlesque (2010), Sparkle (2012) or The Sound of Music Live! (2013)? Oh...Fergie: Nine (2009)...
But it worked out okay for J-Hud and Beyonce...
Kate Winslet can sing.Just Sayin'
I still think it would be a mistake to cast anyone but Liza for Madam Morrible
It's happening! Gays win, homophobes of the world! :p
honesty i don't think this needs "stars" -- not that hollywood will ever believe that with musicals -- because sometimes the property IS the star. Think Star Wars which had no problem going with unknowns for leads in each of its three trilogies... the property is the star. Superman movies have always believed this too but weirdly many other franchises do not.
I just hope they cast the best possible people no matter their fame level and that Daldry does it justice.
I agree with Nathaniel. The show is big enough to sell itself. Unknowns would be welcome and exciting, but if Hollywood insists we have to have a star Anna Kendrick would do either role justice.
What about Babs.
So, how about two "Greys" alumna in the running for Morrible... Sara Ramirez or Chandra Wilson - both have done some wonderful singing on the show, and Ramirez broke through as Lady of the Lake in Spamalot...
jazz - bless you for that Tomlin suggestion. How do we get you into casting at Universal?
Ariana Grande doesn't have the singing chops to pull off Glinda. Her diction is some of the worst in the pop biz (and that's saying something)
Ariana has an audition clip, too: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmcdLOjGVzw
Stephen Daldry? No thanks. He's the Michael Bay of Oscar-Bait films.
I wonder if they have enough irony to cast John Travolta as the Wizard.
Emma Stone as Glinda? She has spunk and sparks not unlike Chenoweth.
Scarlett Johansson as Elphaba.
I suppose both girls can sing and have the right energy for the roles.
Frankly, I just want to see the stars I love in a musical even though the show itself is a selling point.
Angela Lansbury for Madam Morrible or I'm not coming!!
Billy Magnussen YES- that was a star making scene in " Into the Woods" he should be in more movies now.
I think casting Idina Menzel and Kristen Chenoweth for a "Wicked" movie is possible if it was animated.
Perhaps Samantha Barks as the lead? I have no idea how young she is but she looks young enough to play the part. She has been mostly doing musical theatre but she wants to be in movies (her va-va-voom dress to the Oscars proves that). I feel like it is going to go to Lea Michelle though. She wants this BAD y'all.
Brie Larson as Elphaba!
Brie Larson as Elphaba!
BRIE LARSON AS ELPHABA!
Ummmm. Chris. WUT.