Another Kristen to play Glinda on Film? — Page 2

Amy Adams would be an amazing choice for G(a)linda, even if it doesn't start filming for years!!!

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I don't think that the thing about Spielberg is true. I remember in the documentary about Wicked's journey to the stage, Schwartz said when he read it, he wanted to write it as a musical and so he tried to get the rights, but found out that Marc Platt (a producer for Universal) already owned the rights, so he got into contact with him and suggested the musical idea and Platt loved it. He said it was the element he felt was missing from the story. So, he teamed up with Schwartz and Platt produced the Broadway production. That's why Universal Studios has pictures of Wicked everywhere. Spielberg owns Dreamworks, so I don't think they're together.

As for the other thing, I think Ann Hathaway and Kristen Bell would be awesome in the roles. Kristen is short and blonde and, even though I know she's known for Veronica Mars (which is actually my favorite show of all time) and that was a bit darker, she can totally do light and perky. She has awesome range. She sang Fame at the Emmy Awards a few years ago and she wasn't bad at all. I think she could do really well with the help of a vocal coach.

Ann Hathaway has a perfect Elphaba look and she has a good voice. I haven't heard her sing in much more than Ella Enchanted, but she seems like she has some range. I had never even considered the possibilities of these two before, because I just think Idina and Kristin but they're the first actresses besides those two that I could see in the part and fitting.

Demi Moore's production company actually had the initial film rights to Gregory Maguire's novel when Schwartz first became interested in adapting it as a musical.

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Updated On: 8/21/08 at 02:03 AM

But Platt had the rights didn't he? He says in Wicked: The Road to Broadway: "I was developing a screenplay based on Gregory Maguire's novel, but something was lacking-- something in the world, something in the storytelling. And one day, I got a phone call from Stephen Schwartz. Stephen said: 'This is a novel that would be great if it were musicalized' and the moment he said it, the light bulb went off in my head and I thought, that's what missing here."

I've said this many times...if they did a screen adaptation, I wish it would be a movie minus the music. They could do a cool "darker" film based on the book.

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They would be insane to make the novel into a film rather than the show.

The show is what made WICKED popular. Plus, they said it themselves; it didn't work as just a straight film which is why they went down the musical route in the first place.

However, somewhere down the line they should definitely try a dark, true to the book WICKED film...just not now. Tim Burton would be an awesome idea for THAT film, just not the movie musical.

I like the idea of Kristen Bell, but Anne Hathaway doesn't have the voice for Elphaba. There doesn't seem to be much power or belt to it, which is crucial to pull off the big numbers Elphaba needs to sing. She has a sweet voice, which would go better with Nessarose

I'm still all for splitting the character into young + old and having Idina + Kristen playing the older. It's the best of both worlds, we get to see them shine...but also have the opportunity for younger talent (names, by all means) tackle the younger parts.

Oh, and James Marsden for older Fiyero

I also think they should cast unkowns. And give it one hell of a supporting cast. Unknowns from Broadway. Which past Elphabas could we call on? I think Sho and Megan should get it personally. And I'm not a big fan. They just have amazing chemistry.

Supporting cast of A-Listers.
I'll let you fill it in.

Wizard-
Nessarose-
Dr.Dillamond-
Madame Morrible-
Fiyero-

Anyone got thoughts?

It would be a good idea for them not to cast 'names' for Elphaba + Glinda, then support them with really big names.

Fiyero, Nessa, Dr. Dillamond, Wizard, Madam Morrible, Boq etc all have potential. Good diversity too actually, because Fiyero, Nessa and Boq can be appealing to teens and the older characters could attract in an older generation.

Plus, if they go for very talented and experienced young Broadway stars, they will count as 'unknown' rising talents to the majority of the world, yet...they could bring in musical theatre fans at the same time.

So really, they would be 'unknowns' but still with a fanbase.

Win win?

Wizard- Robert De Niro? Actually that's not a terrible idea...not sure if he can sing at all...Or Gary Oldman.
Nessarose- I actually think Anne Hathaway would fit this part well...she can definitely be "tragically beautiful"
Dr.Dillamond- Jeff Goldblum
Madame Morrible- Carol Kane could be a possibility (is she still a "name" in Hollywood? She's played the role before...) Judy Dench?
Fiyero- I'm not opposed to James Marsden...attractive and a good singer.

These are all just off the top of my head...I much prefer non-celebs, unless its an actor who can totally transform themself for the role...

I was thinking that too!

It's probably inevitable (in a good way) that there will be new songs written for the movie, hopefully it will turn out like HAIRSPRAY and we'll get some real top notch tracks.

While we're on the subject [sorry for thread jacking] what tracks do we think they'll keep, lose, or add into parts of the show?

I don't really think they'll cut much because there's not a lot there in the first place...maybe use some for montages etc?

I bet they cut out "Thank Goodness"

I think it's inevitable that Fiyero in the film version will be Zac Efron. Mark my words.

As much as I'd love to see Chenoweth/Menzel on film, as someone else said, there are way too many listers interested in those roles. I think of the suggestions made so far, Amy Adams is the best choice for Glinda.

Elphie might be tougher to cast, because of the vocal demands. I'd love to hear Aguilera sing it, but I have no idea if she could act it.