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A film version of "Wicked" is in the worksI’m fairly certain that my neighbors reached for the phone to call the emergency equivalent of 911 over here in France when they heard my joyful shrieking (which to them may have sounded more like a mutated cat giving birth to elephants). I couldn't help it when I received the news that a film version of the Wicked musical was in the works. Just the other day I was telling my girlfriend that the Wicked movie was long overdue, and now it turns out that my prayers have been answered. (That, or Hollywood has bugged my apartment.)
Universal Studios has teamed up with producers Marc Platt (Silence of the Lambs) and Stephen Schwartz to bring the Broadway hit to the silver screen (though it sounds like production is still in the very early stages). Universal’s Donna Langley implied that the film is mainly in talks at the moment, and being that Platt is currently busy with the film Nine, it sounds like it will be some time before we get any concrete details about the Wicked movie. If you’re a fan of Wicked you’re likely asking yourself the following questions: Will there be subtext in the movie version? Who will play Elphie? Who will play Glinda?
If the musical-to-film gods were on my side, we’d be sure to see Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth reprise their original roles. I don’t think it’s too much to ask to see those two defy gravity together one more time. (Or, you know, stare longingly into each other’s eyes while — OK, maybe that part’s too much to ask, but a girl can dream.)
Of course, they’re not the only choices. Who would make your perfect Elphaba and Glinda? And who else is as excited as I am? Submitted by on July 30, 2008 - 9:00am. |
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Best news ever!
Awsome awsomeeee news!
I have had this conversation many times myself! lol i so hope it's Idina and Kristin! x
~~~~~~~~xXx~~~~~~~~
Passion, it lies in all of us, sleeping... waiting... and though unwanted... unbidden... it will stir... open its jaws and howl. It speaks to us... guides us... passion rules us all, and we obey.
Agree! Best news EVER!!!
I was soooo happy when I read this!! :D I can't wait!!!
I also hope we get to see Idina & Kristin together again, but if that's not possible Megan Hilty & Shoshana Bean or Eden Espinosa sound awesome too !
TOTALLY AWESOME
I LOVE WICKED! I'VE SEEN IT LIKE 5 times on broadway... points for Philly and New York being so close to one another!! :)
I hope that its Idina and Kristin... I mean if they can get Idina to reprise her role for RENT... then we have a shot... RIGHT?! :)
¸.·´¯)It's true, we're all a little insane(¯`·.¸
This news makes my morning
This news makes my morning :) I have been yerning for a Wicked Movie for years! I also have high hopes that Idina will be happy to return to her role since she was so eager for the movie "rent". She seems to be very loyal to her fans (and gay fans :) )
"Being in a lesbian relationship is like making your own pie crust. It's time consuming, it hurts your wrist and in the end you're so much fatter then you ever needed to be. - Kate McKinnon
My fantasy comedic version duo.
Tina Fey and Amy Poehler! :D
But really...there is no other choice then Kristin and Idina.
Original Cast
RequestDemand the ORIGINAL Cast!! I saw it on Broadway when the Original Cast was still there and It was the best show I had every seen. It was unbelievable. I can only assume that the movie version with the original cast would be even better. Plus Kristen Chenoweth and Idina Menzel are HOT!!!:D That's all I have to
:D
That's all I have to say.
:D
No other than Chenzel!
For Good.....
I would love to see Kristin and Idina reprise their roles. It's always nice to have the originators be able to be in the movie. I did not have the fortune to see them on Broadway but loved them in the clips I have seen. Of course, love Kristin in 'Pushing Daisies' and Idina in 'Rent'. To me there was always a very subtextual nature to the relationship of Glinda and Elphaba. If only that was explored.....sighhhhhh. Or was it....
Sorry, have the real pic but my scanner is on the fritz.
If they are not able or willing to do so, perhaps one of the sterling other stars who have graced the stage on the show would do the roles in the movie. I just hope it does not lose the magic that was on the stage. It was hands down the best Broadway musical I have ever seen.
Yes please.
Could they seriously be any hotter together? I'd take 120 minutes of them looking at each other. Who the hell needs a script? Look at 'em.
Super excited!
YEA! I loved the musical, and am hoping to see it again. I would so see a movie version, most likely too many times! Since I did not see the original cast and have read so many wonderful things about them, I agree they should be in the movie.
I will be keeping a close eye out to see when there is more news!
Sweet!!
I haven't had the
I haven't had the opportunity to see it on stage, but I really really want too. This project sounds exciting and I have to say go with the original cast. It's one of the reason's I loved RENT so much, most of the cast reprised their roles.
Deja Vu?
I almost had a heart attack when I saw this. I was just saying on monday (after going to see mama mia) that all I needed to make my musical movie collection whole would be Wicked!!! I thought we still had years to wait before they made a movie, but I am a relatively new fan, so I havent been waiting as long as everyone else.
I hope Idina and Kristin come back! I'll see it no matter who is in it, but they would be the best.
Don't shoot! I'm a friendly! We're all friendly! So lets just be... friendly!-Starbuck (Battlestar Galactica)
Chenzel
Firstly, OMG!!!!
Secondly, it BETTER be Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth or I will die.
Thirdly, it is a little sad that they're making a movie because usually when they do that it means the sales in the theatre and lagging and they want to get more people into it.
But now I will get to watch Wicked on my couch. Over and over and over again.
Keep us updated on the movie news!
Idina and KC
I kind of hope they are more true to the book than the musical. But since the book is so dark I doubt that will happen in Hollywood. It doesn't have to be exactly the same but the content is so much more... complicated and layered.
*book spoilerish-ness*
At least in the book Glinda reflects, more than once, on her feelings regarding sharing her bed with Elphie. It never addresses Elphie's feelings about it but late in the book her love for Glinda is pointed out by another character. I would love for these things to play out on screen in the film version.
[/spoiler]
There is no other than Idina and KC for these roles. I pity the fools that have to fill their shoes vocally speaking. I mean don't get me wrong I've seen it onstage with other actresses who did great but all during Defying Gravity all I could ever think was, your not Idina.
I've heard talk that their ages would be a hinderance to casting them, as the characters are uni age in the stage production. I'll take Idina, any age, any day though.
ETA: No matter who they cast, they better focus on the chemistry between the female leads more than with Fiyero. If it is turned into a Fiyero love fest I'm gonna scream and not in the good way.
Glinda and Elphie...
Definitely Glinda felt something for Elphie, in the books. Not only is it referenced a few times in Wicked, but her reaction, in Son of a Witch, to Elphie's death is... interesting. Maybe indicative.
I had heard that originally, Wicked was supposed to be a film-- before they decided to go with an on-stage musical. I'm happy they did the latter first. Hollywood does a good job of messing things up: and even though there is a lot of difference between the book and play, I think the play does a better job of sticking to the essence of the story than Hollywood currently could. "I hope you prove me wrong. But I doubt it."
Chenzel or bust.
I highly doubt that Cheno would agree to reprise her role, but I couldn't bear anyone but Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth in those roles.
A Wicked film! EEee! :D
It might have already been
It might have already been said, and I'll try and find the link, but Cheno actually said she'd love to reprise the role, she's just afraid of the movie taking to long to come out and her getting too old lol. I'd LOVE to see the orignals in the movie. :)
Edit found it: http://www.hollywood.com/news/Wicked_Movie_Kristin_Chenoweth_Glinda/5276420
im so glad you posted that
Ahhhhh!!!!!
Both of them have
Both of them have previously stated an interest in playing the roles if/when the film was ever made, but have also acknowledged that with the timetable that's likely, they may be "too old" to play the roles (no such thing, imo). Honestly, though, the likelihood seems to be that it could be another 5 years before the movie gets made. If Kristin and Idina aren't options, I'd be pleased to see almost any of the performers who have played the roles on Broadway give it a shot.
The one thing I do not want to see is Hollywood actors who have never done a Broadway musical take on these roles. I may not have really liked the Rent movie, but the one thing I felt like they got right was using as much of the OBC as possible--let's hope that when this film happens, down the line, they take a page from that book.
holy poo, chenzel or
Yeah, I did
I did the Cheno scream when I heard about this, though not as well or as high. I am so excited! It's up on IMDb as release date (approx) 2010... but I am still going to be on the edge of my seat until then!
I don't know what number I am in saying this, but we have to have Chenzel in the movie! My friends and I were contemplating boycotting it if not... but we just couldn't...
It'll be the difference between a good film and a great film though.
They both said they want to do it, though... Kristin Chenoweth is 40 now... and Idina Menzel is 37. I still think they can play uni students though, they're the sort of people who seem to get younger and younger instead of aging, they're both gorgeous, and have the perfect voices for the roles.
Well... Gregory Maguire has spoken about the (imo) obvious romantic interest between Elphaba and Galinda in the book of Wicked...The Fiyero thing never worked for me, in the musical or the novel, and in the musical the love song between Elphaba and Glinda (yes that's what I'm going to call it) is much better than the one between Elphaba and Fiyero.
People are always crying at For Good. I couldn't dislike a song from Wicked really, but As Long As You're Mine isn't half as touching.
*Fangirl squee* I can't wait!
OMG i just peed my pants! i
OMG i just peed my pants!
i cant wait for this movie to come out... ive been waiting for them to make a movie for so long now. i think if they wrote it correctly they could get Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth to be in it... i mean Idina Menzel did come back to do Rent when they made that into a move.
GELPHIE!!!!!!!!
<insert obnoxious preteen squeeing here>
This completely just made my day. Nothing can top this today. Nothing. Glinda and Elphie (played by Kristin and Idina of course) are one of my favorite fictional couples ever. They share a special place in my heart with Xena/Gabrielle and Alexandra Cabot/Olivia Benson. *sigh*
Words offer the means to meaning, and for those who will listen, the enunciation of truth.
Fairness, justice, and freedom are more than words; they are perspectives.
We all want the original team back...
It's true...but let's be honest...they're going to have to play roles that span from being teenagers to adulthood. In theater, as long as you can carry the mannerisms and the voice, you're fine...that's why kristin chenoweth rocks so hard. But, although beautiful they are, they're getting up there in age...and we all know how hollywood is. So I have to say that, if the case may be that they don't cast chenoweth, i'd have to root for Kristen Bell. She can sing...she can act...I mean look at her role in Reefer Madness. She's able to play young and pretentious...as well as grasp that growth that glinda goes through. It's a perfect fit!
As for elphaba...I really can't say. I just.love.idina.so.much. I can't imagine anyone else doing it. That seems like a slam to kristin but....hey just being honest =)
Agreed
I don't think Anne has the
YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! that's
YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! that's all i can say, i am so happy to hear about this...please keep us posted :)
"don't ever say it's too late, you know you'll regret it. just when you're sure of your life, it can change right before your eyes"
"turtle" by alana davis
I'm with wickedgrrl on this
I'm pretty sure I'm gonna go see it regardless (cos I'm a fangirl and it comes with the territory) but I'm really hoping it'll be more like the book and not so much like the musical, story-wise.
Yes, I did like the musical (how can you not) and in London, I was the first in line to see Idina belt the hell out of it (twice. like I said, fangirl). That said, I was a huge fan of the book long before it got turned into a musical and everyone and their dog was flocking to the theaters to see it.
And I really wanted a movie that stayed true to Gregory Maguire's novel. Dark, psychological, political. Wishful thinking I guess, but still. I'm not that fond of the fairytale version of it. It's such a wonderful, complex book, why turn the storyline and the characters into over-simplified, fluffy versions?
Eh, like I said, wishful thinking. Just please don't make it about Elphaba/Fiyero. S'all.
Re: casting, I agree with everyone else. Idina and Kristin Chenoweth (along with as much of the OBC as possible)
Zefron
I am DYING to see Zac Efron as Fiyero. I realize that probably sounds ridiculous but it's my greatest wish. I can't think of a young female singer/actor who could rival either Idina or Kristen though. As much as I love those ladies I can't see them being cast. They can pull off playing college-age on stage but a movie's different. Even in Rent we were suspending disbelief quite a bit with all their ages... I think they will probably have to find unknowns to be Elphie and Glinda.
I'm also predicting Meryl as Madame Morrible.
Reality check
Studio execs will NEVER let the original Broadway actors reprise their roles for these parts. Especialliy since this will have to be a big-budget mvie spectacular (special effects, makeup, sets). They will be banking on a HUGE hit and won't take take that risk. The original ladies are just too old to connvincingly play their "younger" selves.
My bet is either complete unknowns, or Mandy Moore or Amanda Seyfried as Glinda, and Katherine McPhee as Elphaba (shes trying to hone her acting chops now in bit parts in movies like The House Bunny)
I could see Justin Timberlake or Jason Mraz as Fieryo.
Hate to burst everyones magic pink Glinda bubble.
you're the only sensible one
They did it with Rent....
for the most part ...and those guys were wayyy past old compared to how old they were when they originated the parts.
It's just gotta be the two of them...
wayyyyy too old. i want to
using OBC for the movie
the only reason they were able to pull off having most of the OBC back for the movie version of 'rent' is because they don't specifically mention the ages of the characters other than mimi (which is why daphne rubin vega didn't sign on and rosario dawson was casted). in 'wicked' the first act takes place during elphaba and glinda's first year at shiz university since madam morrible is welcoming all the new students and doing the room assignments right before 'the wizard and i'. second act is a few years later (i think 5?) i personally thought the wicked OBC were too old when they opened the show, but with all the stage makeup on and majority of the audience being so far away from the stage, it's hard to tell how old they really are, but on the big screen there are close up shots.
i would like to see some of the OBC make cameos though. i think it would be hilarious if norbert leo butz made a cameo as frex (elphaba's dad) and idina made a cameo as melena (elphaba's mom). i'm kind of stuck on a role for cheno though. maybe the ozian who asks glinda 'why does wickedness happen?'.
I want to see Idina as
I want to see Idina as Elphaba. I don't think anyone else can hold a candle to her. Kristin I'm not so much a fan of, but if they can get Idina they may as well try to get Kristin too.
P.S. - It amuses me that in the photo of the two witches in costume, the Glinda is Kendra Kassebaum, who is rumored to be a lesbian. Does someone who works on AE read broadwaysecrets?
i read bwaysecrets. but
some of you people know
some of you people know crap about musical theater...
menzel and chenoweth are BOTH too old to play those two parts. they're both in their freaking 40's. how are we supposed to believe they're barely in college? secondly, menzel has a ton of breathing problems when she sings, and she usually screams out the lyrics rather than singing them out. saying someone can't hold a candle to her is very childish; obviously, you have not heard many broadway performers sing. so, casting those two would be ridiculous. god. and plus, i DOUBT those two would even be hired for the job.
either kristen bell or amy adams as glinda. annaliese van der pol as elphaba.
Regardless of their
And that's why Marissa Jaret
i personally wouldn't mind
i personally wouldn't mind seeing cheno prancing around singing popular at her current age. the woman's nearing 40 and is still gorgeous and still has the pipes. yes, she's a little old to be playing a uni student, but i mean jesus, you have 20-something ellen page playing a teenager, 20-something zac efron still doing teenage roles, plenty of nearing 40 actresses are still playing younger roles...
as for idina's so-called "horrible voice" how about you belt out those songs every night for a couple weeks and see how your pipes are doing? it's also been rumored that she has asthma, which would affect incoming air and singing ability (not that i've noticed any trouble.)
i know taste is a matter of opinion, but you don't have to be so rude about it.
that being said, if idina and kristin turned down the roles, i wouldn't mind seeing kristen bell and someone else as the characters...
I'm not trying to be
I'm not trying to be rude.
Both Zac and Ellen can pass as teenagers for now; they're both in their early 20's. There's a fine line between belting and belting right. And, sister, she isn't the latter. She's also a smoker, if you didn't know that.
Whatever, I'm tired.
thank you for sticking up
thank you for sticking up for Idina...LOVE HER lol
i totally second what you're saying! :)
If they are too old now
If they are too old now they were too old then. Im sure they could find more age appropriate women to portray the roles but you know people are going to be pissed if it isnt just so, and that means including original cast members in many people's opinions.(obviously not yours) but look at how many people are you arguing with haha
Plus hairspray was a movie first, you should really be calling me out on it not being Ricky Lake if you want to push it and Tina Maddigan is currently doing...nothing. Menzel and Chenoweth have both done hollywood "stuff" so itd be more likely that they would be asked. We shall see what comes of all this fuss eh?
oh and....Rent? just sayin'
FANTASTIC
After Ellen..came me!! Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth
I AM SO EXCITED ABOUT THIS NEWS. I WOULD ALSO LOVE TO SEE MORE OF THE SUBTEXT EXPLORED... BUT, IT WILL BE A MAINSTREAM FILM SO I WON'T HOLD MY BREATH. IT HAS TO BE Idina and Kristin, AND IN RESPONSE TO THE PEOPLE SAYING THEY ARE BOTH TOO OLD, WELL MAYBE, BUT THAT DIDN'T STOP THE PRODUCERS OF BEVERLY HILLS 90210!!!
BAM FOREVER..
how old are you....?
My personal dreamcast ....
would be willemijn verkaik as elphaba and lucy scherer as glinda. it's the german cast of wicked and I love them. they are great together
for those who are interested , here are some links to videos from the cast:
1. the wizard and I http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-T4axXj6b8
2. defying gravity http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUZK2LbLrxA
3. some ''highlights'' http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGpNNCI1a1c
willemijn's 'gutes tun'/'no