Hold on to your brooms: A feature film adaptation of the blockbuster Broadway musical Wicked is FINALLY heading to theaters: Universal Pictures announced on Friday that it is scheduled to open on Dec. 22, 2021.
The musical — which has been running continuously on Broadway since it opened on Oct. 30, 2003 — is a revisionist take on The Wizard of Oz, as seen through the friendship between the witches Glinda and Elphaba, aka the Wicked Witch of the West.
Idina Menzel won a Tony Award in 2004 for her performance as Elphaba, who is perhaps best known for her song "Defying Gravity."
Wicked is also the second-highest grossing show in Broadway history, surpassing $1 billion in total grosses in 2016. Only The Lion King has made more.
The show has also spawned productions in London's West end, as well as in Australia, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Brazil, and South Korea.
It's really, really, really popular, is the point.
And now — FINALLY! — Stephen Daldry (Billy Elliot) will direct a feature film adaptation, from a screenplay by writer Winnie Holzman (My So-Called Life) and composer-lyricist Stephen Schwartz (Godspell), who respectively wrote the book, and the music and lyrics for the Broadway musical.
No cast has been announced yet, and likely won't be for some time. But that hasn't stopped Wicked fans from LOSING THEIR MINDS over the news.
*SCREAMS IN 2007 GAY* https://t.co/205rdJY0LP
My hands are PARALYZED https://t.co/bHJ7Di4cfx
I will be INSUFFERABLE during this release get ready 🎶 when I meet the wizaaaaaaarrrrddddd 🎶 https://t.co/OLlLV1Y4kO
How am I supposed to wait almost TWO YEARS for this? https://t.co/TBgb0HhWYw
Some people had some rather specific feelings.
OK but for “Wizard and I,” I’m gonna need the Lindsay Mendez “PROUD of you” instead of the baffling original “proud OF you.” https://t.co/YH5AP37gbK
There's also been a lot of ~speculation~ about who could play the main roles. And by speculation, I mean, Lea Michele, call your agent.
@LeaMichele CALL YOUR AGENT https://t.co/El6qXTF1Ul
“this sparks joy” - Lea Michele https://t.co/1IKoqhja5h
I’m probably more excited for the future Netflix true crime doc about Lea Michele’s kidnap/murder of whoever is cast as Elphaba tbh https://t.co/fUeA2w68xu
It was also hard to ignore that Ariana Grande's new album had just dropped.
The power of an Ariana Grande album drop. https://t.co/UKnq0frWex
Interesting that this happens the same day Ariana’s album dropped! Not a for sure connection. Just...interesting. https://t.co/QC16l3oABv
Especially since Grande is a huge Wicked fan, and performed the song "The Wizard and I" from the show just last year.
The casting for this movie is going to be really interesting is what I'm saying.
ariana grande's people getting the wicked movie casting director on the phone
Who do you think should be cast in the movie? Let us know in the comments.
