It’s somewhat surprising that this hasn’t happened before now. Variety reports that a movie is finally being made out of the Broadway musical Wicked.
Wicked, for those who haven’t been, takes the story of The Wizard of Oz and turns it on its head. It tells the classic story from the perspective of the Wicked Witch, who as it turns out isn’t at all evil, just horribly mistreated and misunderstood. I saw the play not long ago, and for the most part wasn’t particularly impressed. That is, except for one utterly magical, completely transcendent sequence in which the play’s Wicked Witch hero sings and finally takes flight while singing “Defying gravity”. The song is fantastic, the way it’s staged is amazing, and I can’t imagine any way that signature moment could ever be as breathtaking done up in a movie. However, they might be able to improve the rest of it which is let’s face it, pretty mediocre when compared to that one moment.
The movie version is being shepherded along over at Universal by producer Marc Platt. Platt had a hand in making Wanted happen, and he’s already working on Wanted 2. The Wicked stage version is a monster hit, ten years from now it’ll probably be regarded as the new Phantom of the Opera. So he’ll almost certainly have no trouble getting people to see it.
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Hm, I like Wicked, as it is a fantastic musical (books better though 0.-), but lets hope it is not a new Phantom, as if it follows in Phantoms tracks, it probaly is not worth making a movie considering the attempt of Webbers flop.
i also saw Kerry Ellis as Elphaba and I thought the show was fantastic. I have seen many west end musicals but this is the only one I would ever want to go back to. I hope that if they go a film it will do the musical justice
I went to see Wicked last January and i am ready to say it was wonderful. It had all the wonder and charm of Wizard of Oz. Every one has their version to tell and glad Elphaba could do it. So a big screen version would be great. Not all the characters in Oz were good.And for those who may not know Dorothy's house didn't land in Oz by accident.
i saw wicked in Hollywood, and it was awesome. i really hope they get the original cast like they did with rent. kristin and idina are awesome together.
I'm in australia, and the Wicked girls over here are fantastic too (Amanda Harrison- Elphaba and Lucy Durack- Galinda/Glinda) and i love them to pieces coz they're fantastic, but I do believe that if there is a movie, it HAS to be Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth. I've seen them (youtube, lol) and i've seen them in other things, and they're so wonderful, especially together. wow...I sure can ramble!! Lol =D
But Kristin and Idina are the best for the job. Always will be!!
xoxoxo
I'm actually kinda bummed. I mean, Wicked was such a great musical (I saw it once in Chicago, once in Cleveland) but a large part of that was because of the stage effects that you don't get to see too often. I do however think it will get a large following, and i hope i'm wrong about it being mediocre. Oh and lets hope they hire real singers and dancers for this one. ahem mamma mia.
I'm guessing, but the way it seems to work, is that they wait for everyone to become less exited about the Broadway musical, and then they do some sort of press release about a movie so that the world goes wild for it whilst they actually make the movie. Which, I suppose is a good thing, but it must be a long wait for those who saw and loved Wicked in 2003-2004 and have to wait for the movie, while the rest of the world (Right now, London-ENG and Melbourne-AUST, China and Germany(!)) are going crazy for it. Which begs the big question, on weather our two favourites (Idina and Kristin) will be too old by the time movie making ocmes around?
shame on whoever wrote the article (top)! Wicked was the best show the world has ever seen, and you thought it was un-impresssive??
People allover sit in the theatres, breathless, at everything and you find the ONLY interesting thing as 'Defying Gravity'? Obviously, whoever you are, you have no experience, knowledge or taste in theatre and musical theatre! All of the songs, full of humour and melodic surprises, the actors all marvelous singers and actors and you were bored? Shame, really that you can't see what an incredible experience you had the chance to be apart of.
whoever wrote this article is crazy!!!
how on earth could you ever call one of the best musicals ever "mediocre"!?!?!?
Its fabulous... moving, funny, gritty and thoroughly entertaining throughout!!!!
as for the upcoming movie ....Idina needs to play elphaba and kristin chenowith needs to play galinda/glinda.. stunning voices, just amazing...
i think a "wicked" movie is a great idea but please please please dont spoil the genius of the stage show.... dont go for big names... go for talent....
Ive actually never seen Wicked, but i am doing the show at college. ive read the book and got the cd and im just craving Wicked atm, (: i cant believe the talent and energy on it
i hope they make a movie of it
just to show people who hate theatre and musicals, that there are brilliant (:
I understand everybody's sentiments regarding Idina and Kristen... but let's face it: Idina is too old. She's almost 40 now, and Kristen IS 40. Considering most of the show takes place in their school years, they would look REALLY awkward in close up.
They should just hold auditions and see if anyone new (and age appropriate) steps up to the challenge.
There are so many things that they can do with this movie. I think it would be interesting if they tried to do more of the books point of view because it is a lot more dark. I do love the musical and if they were to make this movie it would need to have idina and kristin in it. Kristin already said in an interview that she would love to make the film. I hope it does well. I am addicted to Wicked and would love the movie (if done well)!!!!
I saw Wicked last night in Australia and was absolutely blown away by Amanda Harrisons job in playing Elphaba. She should definitely be considered for playing her in the movie! I LOVED Wicked!
i dont think they should make a film of it because "defying gravity" could be runid and it's a risky thing to do it could completly ruin the whole thing nothing can beat the stage one its finominal (sp) also i think they should just make a dvd of the stage one and sell it at dress circle !
I can't wait for the Wicked movie. Although it's never been officially released that they're making one, I know somewhere someone in Hollywood is sitting with the idea on his desk. I do agree that they should go for talent and not big names.
That being said, Idina Menzel is slowly becoming a larger name being in Enchanted, and Rent the movie (as well as obviously the B'way musical), etc etc. Thus, I don't want her back. It'd be a nice little treat . . . but, no. Because if she were to return, it'd be more of a moment of nastalgia for everyone watching. Which, nastalgia works sometimes....but, she already won the effing Tony for the show, she starred in it as both the original of the Broadway production, and in London. Can we let the woman rest? I'm surprised Eden ended up doing the LA production, but at the time - Idina's voice was repairing itself after she basically blew it out of proportion with all of this Wicked nonsense. So if the Wicked movie gets the green light . . . PLEASE, put Idina to rest...no one needs to see her as the one role she's reprised billions of friggin times. Talk about beating a dead horse.
Furthur, if Cheno comes across the script and is hired to be Galinda in the movie ... everyone might as well prepare for a big nasty flop for the Wicked movie. As much as I love Kristin and adore her and think shes one of the greatest talents we've had on Broadway...I will say this - she looks too old. Case and Point. I know, talent over hollywood - but as talented as Kristin is, it will never mask the idea that Galinda starts off as a college student. And I realize that she has to 'grow up' in the musical, but jesus christ...she can't be 40! It'd personally ruin it for me, and I know I'm not the only person.
The Chenzel duo needs to walk very swiftly away from any opportunity they get at making the Wicked movie in my opinion.
But I will say, that they need to consider Teal Wicks as Elphie for the movie. She's a very beautiful girl. AND better than Idina. AND is a tad bit unknown compared to Idina, Eden, etc etc.
And the only Galinda I'd ever enjoy watching on screen would be the magnificent Megan Hilty. She's such a blast of positive energy, something I've always loved about her.
So my vote for the two leading ladies is going to Teal & Megan! They're adorable, they're talented, AND they're young.
Btw, the previous being said....I also think that Norbert Leo Butz should not consider the movie either. It'd ruin it as well, Fiyero lookin 40 when he first walks on. NOT GOOD lol. I personally think they should audition for a Fiyero, bring a whole new guy to it. No previous broadway credit or anything. But I swear on my grave, if this movie does come to happen and effing Zac Effron is Fiyero, I will personally destroy all of the film reels of the Wicked movie. OMFG i'm serious. That boy bothers me.
AND I think they should definitely contact the original Morrible for the movie! She was terrifyingly brilliant and the only one who did her justice.
AND they need to get little mr. Joel Grey for the Wizard =)
I'm a bit skeptical about it, I'd definately watch it but I can't imagine it outwitting the stage version or the book for that matter. My only wish to making this movie work would be for Idina Menzel to play the role of Elphaba and Kristin Chenoweth to play Galinda. For me these two capture the characters perfectly. Other performances I've seen have been very entertaining but they're better with their voices rather than acting. For a movie of it the acting would be most important as you can go over and over again with the singing as it's not live like in the stage version. Anyway that's my personal opinion and hope it's as successful as the stage version. Hope they hurry up and make it though. Anyone know when it will be released/filmed?
how can people be so shallow. Just the music alone in both phantom of the opera and Wicked are pure GENIUS. Do you have ears?
-I personally liked phantom of the opera the movie, and i have met nobody in person who did not like it, and in any case it certainly was not a flop. even if you disclude actually seeing it, just listen to the soundtrack, the music is phenomenal! If you can't hear that, it's not worth even trying to like it.
-I feel the same about wicked, the music is great. Every note was written and is (or should be) performed with passion and care. you must be overlooking the musical nuances. it is so shallow to think the climax of the play is the only good part. If you aren't impressed with the rest of it, what musical ARE you fully thrilled/impressed with?
Phantom and wicked are both legendary and the work of pure musical geniuses.
You are certainly the only person i've ever heard complain about wicked, which i guess is ok since its your opinion. but i'm just posing things to think about, that you may have overlooked. if you still don't like it, oh well.
ergg i don't think my last post posted. if it did i apologize for any repeating i do. it was too long anyways. whether they make a movie or not, wicked IS impressive. i know i know, its only your opinion, but here are things to rethink, that maybe you overlooked. if not, sorry, just posting where im coming from.
1) it sounds so shallow to say that the climax is the only good part of the musical. Do you not hear the musical nuances? That music is GENIUS.
2) The subtle humor, whether it be referring to something from the wizard of oz, or just blunt sarcasm, there are many cute/funny moments
3) on the other hand, there are serious moments, and there is a moral and a lesson to be learned. Go find it if you haven't.
as for phantom the movie, i liked it. I don't mind if you didn't, thats your opinion, but it certainly wasn't a flop and i have not personally met someone who thinks that. But even if you don't like the movie, just listen to the soundtrack. The music is absolutely GORGEOUS. Webber's music has mesmorized many, (not to mention gerard and emmy sang it phenomenally) and for that alone, it was not a flop. no matter what your opinion may be.
I LOVE wicked and I haven't stopped listening to it since I first heard it! And, yes I get that it is your own opinion, but honestly?! I'm sure I'm not the only one here who laughed, cried and beamed from ear to ear whilst watching this Brilliant musical!
Right, not to all the people who worry about the cast: although I am a huge fan of the London performers, the musical was written for Chenzel so who better else to re-enact it than that pair?! And, for all those people who are fussing about their ages? Have you looked at them? Idina looks stunning and could easily pass for being in her 20s. And Kristin? Please! She looks younger than she did when she Was 20! So I defiantly give the OBC the go ahead and I pray with all my might that the producers see sense and hire them.
Please, Please bring back Chenzel!
i'm only elven years old and only've seen the musical once, and it is speactacular.The depth and storyline is exstermly cever. How they show Elphaba's story[Elphaba is the wicked witch of the west] is truly touching. It really does show that you can't judge a book by it's cover, and that "people are not born wicked, they have wickedness thrurst apoun them" And that friends are important in life and can change you. I love this musical and will DEFFENTLY SEE IT AS A MOVIE. It is a story you must and have to know. My favorite chatcter is Elphaba. How she riskes everything for what she belives in.....she is my rolemodel. I can only hope to be one fourth of what Elphaba is and will always be.
I hope they make a movie and soon too! I'll make sure I go see it opening night XD I am looking forward to a Wicked moive and I am hoping the use original cast that would be amazing :D If they don't I'd kinda be depressed and I agree with Reilly that if they do auditions they better pick people who can sing because some of the cast in the movie Mamma Mia were terrible singers! Jerry I think you're the only person who doesn't want original cast. If you think Idina, Kristin, and Norbert are too old then why did you choose Joel Grey. I realize that the wizard is older, but this movie will take years to come out and by that time he might be too old for the part :
in my opinion, idina has a good voice, but carmen cusack, whom i saw in buffalo(i luv u carmen!!) was better, atleast in that performance. plus, why do people keep saying that universal is producing it?! even tho i think producing a movie is a good idea, just consider, 1) where are they filming it, 2) who's producing it, 3) who's directing it, and 4) are they following the book or the musical's standards!!!
I saw Wicked for the first time after reading the book. The differences between the book and the musical are literally day and night. With that in mind I absolutely loved the scenes with Galinda/Glinda and Elphaba, showing the misconception that the original Wizard of Oz portrayed Elphaba to be like. There was another Broadway Musical that Idina Menzel was in too, Rent. It was a sensation from broadway to big screen in my opinion. While I have not seen the other cast members other then Chicago and New York in action, I would have to say that anyone would be a great cast choice for the 8 main characters in a movie. I hope it comes out soon. As far as other posts on here as to who is producing it, Universal has had the rights for it since 2003 when it hit, it was only a matter of time and getting as much money off of Broadway for them to turn it into a movie.
I am so extremely THRILLED TO THINK ABOUT the Majic of WICKED in a Movie ! The music is Classic Andrew Llyod Webber and the song "For Good" has words that make me cry. The relationship between the characters is hard to explain to those who haven't had the opportunity to see it. I have seen it once in Oregon and I am going again in April 2009. The way I look at it, making this movie work would be for Idina Menzel to play the role of Elphaba and Kristin Chenoweth to play Galinda. For me these two capture the characters perfectly. I didn't hear them personally, but the Soundtrack is PERFECT pitch and sounds Incredible. I guess that having the movie eventually on DVD allows me to SING OUT LOUD - ALONE. Ahhhhh!
There is no better duo than that of Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth. Yes, it has been mentioned that they would be a bit on the old side (I can't tell with Kristin on Pushing Daisies...) but for hardcore fans of the musical and book, that won't matter. Sure the younger girls can sing well, I'm not saying that can't, but no one is better, i repeat NO ONE is better for these roles than Chenzel. There's no comparing no matter which way you look at it.
I know I personally wouldn't want to see it if didn't include those two. I'd rather keep my memories and move on. Alas, its out of our hands. We can only wait.
I am sure they will both do it. It all started with them. I've read the book and seen the musical numerous times. Idina reprised her orginal role in "Rent" the movie. This is by far my favorite musical and if the can make "Mamma Mia" for the big screen, then the better move forward with "Wicked" But I would have to say I would go see it even if Idina and Kristin were not there well..... because i love it that much! Leeza - yes "Foor Good" is one of the bests but my fav is Defying Gravity. Sends chills up my spine every time. But Idina singing always does :)
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It’s somewhat surprising that this hasn’t happened before now. Variety reports that a movie is finally being made out of the Broadway musical Wicked.
July 16th, 2008 at 19:46
Hm, I like Wicked, as it is a fantastic musical (books better though 0.-), but lets hope it is not a new Phantom, as if it follows in Phantoms tracks, it probaly is not worth making a movie considering the attempt of Webbers flop.