Summary
Alongside all the other former musical theater kids who grew up enchanted byWicked,I am ecstatic about the release of the movie, butone particular person must make an appearance for the film to win my support.Looking atWicked’sstar-studded cast and characters, the project seems to be set for success, but even the ever-popular Ariana Grande and Jeff Goldblum may not be enough to satisfy longtime fans like me. Those who loved the stage show will be the first to hit theaters, and they will hope to see some nods to the story’s past.
While Broadway adaptation films often create controversy,the practical sets in a recent behind-the-scenesWickedvideogives me hope for the movie, since the stage design in the live version remains one of the most impressive parts of the show.Wickedopened on Broadway in 2003 and quickly soared to success, so the story’s transition to the big screen has been anticipated for decades.TheWickedmoviewas even further delayed by COVID-19 and the SAG AFRA strikes. Now releasing in November 2024,the movie has a main cast that highlights big names in Hollywoodinstead of a traditional Broadway company.
Every Wizard Of Oz Character Who Appears In Wicked
Wicked includes many characters from the original Wizard of Oz story, but their arcs are reframed to reveal more about the complex politics of Oz.
Idina Menzel Deserves To Have A Cameo In The Wicked Movie
Their Broadway Legacies Should Be Celebrated In The Cinema
Wicked’soriginal production featured Idina Menzel as Elphaba and Kristen Chenoweth as Glinda, shooting both actresses to stardom. Their heartwarming performances helped the show win numerous awards, making it famous enough to materialize the movie we eagerly wait for today. Considering that the careers of the leading ladies and the story itself were transformed byWicked’s Broadway roots,the film needs to credit the work of the first cast by putting the original stars on screen.
WhileWickedhas been changed for the better over the years, the evolved story must acknowledge those who initially brought it to life. It seems it plans to do just that by giving Chenoweth a cameo inWicked, and while that’s a nice tribute to its roots, that on its own would fall short of that goal. Both actresses deserve roles in the film.
The Wicked Movie Will Only Succeed If It Pays Homage To The Stage Show
The Movie’s Target Audience Will Appreciate Tie-Ins To The Stage Version
Menzel and Chenoweth should have a moment together in the movie because past fans are the most likely to come to the film’s theatrical release, and they will most want to see callbacks to the original. In fact,a common mistake that adaptations make is straying too far from their source material, so making a direct reference to the actors that madeWickedthe phenomenon it remains in the present is an effective way to celebrate itspast while paving its future. Viewers who once sat in Broadway’s velvet red seats want to see the same magic in their theater’s chairs.
Even a hint to the witches that first defied gravity would help my heart soar like it did on my first viewing, as if by magic.
After watching the officialWickedtrailer, I am thrilled about the movie, butmy expectations will only be fulfilled if both of the women behind the story receive cameos.I am intrigued by the new cast, but I wonder if a part of me may always prefer the live performance. Even a hint to the witches that first defied gravity would help my heart soar like it did on my first viewing, as if by magic. This kind of emotional satisfaction is exactly what I walked away with after the stage show, and I hope I can experience this feeling in theaters.
Wicked
The Wicked franchise is based on the 1995 novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire. It explores the untold story of Elphaba, the misunderstood green-skinned girl who would later become known as the Wicked Witch of the West, and her complicated friendship with Glinda, the Good Witch. The franchise began as a highly successful Broadway musical and has since expanded into global stage productions, a forthcoming two-part film adaptation, and various other media.
