Lea Michele has only had one successful TV role and no successful movies. Her music career fizzled out and she isn’t a Broadway darling anymore. She doesn’t even have the likability factor when being interviewed. While there’s no denying she’s insanely talented I doubt she’ll be the lead of a big budget / highly anticipated movie like this.
What happened to the Demi Lovato as Elphaba rumor? If they want a teen magnet for WICKED a la Taylor Swift in CATS and a perfect Elphaba, cast her with Harry Styles as Fieyro.
Seriously, it'll be 2050 and there still won't be a movie for this. They have been dragging their feet forever. And there is literally no good reason for it. Seriously. If there is, someone needs to tell me ASAP.
It all has to do with the marketplace, and when Universal believes it’s the correct and most optimal time to produce and release this. I think because Wicked is not time specific, and has endured for decades now is actually working against it. On the other hand, Dear Evan Hansen is more of a musical “of its time” and they want to fast track a project like that before it becomes dated and potentially loses its popularity.
disneybroadwayfan22 said: "What happened to the Demi Lovato as Elphaba rumor? If they want a teen magnet for WICKED a la Taylor Swift in CATS and a perfect Elphaba, cast her with Harry Styles as Fieyro."
Getting insurance on Demi will present challenges after her overdose in 2018. Another user here said this is why she didn't get Vanessa in the "In the Heights" film.
While it seems like the movie has been in development hell for ages, I actually think that's a good thing. Movie musicals are in a way better place now than they were 10 years ago. They even have trailers that don't hide the songs! In the current climate, maybe Wicked will get the care and budget it needs.
Has anyone mentioned Cynthia Erivo for Elphaba? She's in a good place in her film career right now and I can't think of anyone else who could sing and act the role better.
ImaginaryManticore said: "While it seems like the movie has been in development hell for ages, I actually think that's a good thing. Movie musicals are in a way better place now than they were 10 years ago. They even have trailers that don't hide the songs! In the current climate, maybe Wicked will get the care and budget it needs.
Has anyone mentioned Cynthia Erivo for Elphaba? She's in a good place in herfilm career right now and I can't think of anyone else who could sing and act the role better."
Do you think, if the movie eventually succeeds and becomes a critical hit (a big if), there'd be a chance for Elphaba's actress to be nominated for an Oscar? I know Idina won the Tony for the role, and I'd love for Cynthia to get her EGOT. (My parents, who usually don't get too involved with awards shows, were furious that she didn't win Best Song this year.)
"I think that when a movie says it was 'based on a true story,' oh, it happened - just with uglier people." - Peanut Walker, Shucked
That's an interesting idea. I can imagine the actress could have Oscar nom chances but only if Elphaba is seen as a breakout performance. Even though Cynthia's got a nomination already, I don't think she's broken into mainstream recognition yet so it would still work for her. And personally I think the story would work better with an actress most people aren't overly familiar with.
But you know how I just said I was optimistic about budget possibilities for movie musicals? I forgot that Universal also made Cats. So... oops?
I remember last year, when Katherine McPhee was in waitress in London, Stephen Daldry went to see her in it and she joked on Twitter that the performance he attended was a sort of audition for the Wicked movie. Ever since, all I’ve been hoping is for Katherine McPhee to be Elphaba
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Globefan said: "hearthemsing22 said: "Globefan said: "Rachel Zegler is my pick"
I'm sorry, she's incredibly talented. But I've seen her as peoples dream cast for so many roles, like...no."
Maybe they can bring in one of the Elphabas from London or Broadway to play the role."
Either that, or as people have previously said, bring in well known theater actors for main roles but perhaps cast unknowns as Elphaba and Glinda If I see one more person suggest Ariana or Lea Michele....NO.