The film adaptation of the musical Wicked is finally defying gravity as a film adaptation by Universal Pictures is in the works, and will be released on December 20, 2019.
There is no word on the casting, but Stephen Daldry has been announced to direct the book-turned-musical. Daldry has directed films such as Billy Elliott, The Hours, The Reader, and Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close.
Members of the musical will also return for the adaptation. Winnie Holzman, who wrote the book for the musical, and Stephen Schwartz, who composed and created the lyrics are collaborating on a script, while Marc Platt will return as producer.
Wicked is based on the Gregory Maguire book of the same name, and tells the unlikely friendship between Elphaba, a lonely witch left out of groups because of her green skin, and Glinda, a popular witch. Elphaba is disillusioned by the corrupt government of the Wizard, and she goes on a quest to stand up against evil. Wicked is set before L. Frank Baum’s book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, and is supposed to be the “origin story” of the Wicked Witch of the West.
It was adapted to the stage in 2003, directed by Joe Mantello with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. The original run starred Menzel and Chenoweth, and won seven Drama Desk awards, three Tonys, and one Grammy. After 13 years, it is now the 10th longest-running Broadway show of all time.
In 2014, Menzel revealed that she and Chenoweth were told that they were too old to reprise their roles for a possible adaptation (Elphaba and Glinda are college students). She also joked that she could play Elphaba’s mother.
Coincidentally, the musical is set to return to Manila next year after a successful run in 2014. Elphaba and Glinda are going to be popular again!
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