Before the Emerald City: The Long Road to “Wicked” on the Big Screen
Long before Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo enthralled audiences with their performances in “Wicked,” Hollywood was abuzz with excitement over the potential of Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel. This prequel to the beloved “Wizard of Oz” story had a winding journey to the big screen, with numerous actresses vying for the coveted roles and studios vying to bring Maguire’s imaginative world to life.
A Star-Studded Lineup of Potential “Wicked” Witches
Whoopi Goldberg famously attempted to secure the rights to McGuire’s novel shortly after its release. She envisioned herself as the Wicked Witch of the West and wasn’t the only Hollywood heavyweight interested. Claire Danes, Salma Hayek, and Laurie Metcalf also expressed interest in the project. Interestingly, Demi Moore, through her production company, had a strong connection with Universal Pictures, making her a frontrunner to play Elphaba, the doomed and misunderstood wicked witch.
While Moore envisioned a “Mommy Dearest meets Oz” kind of role, the fate of the project shifted as it caught the attention of Broadway. The story found new life in a Tony-winning musical adaptation, starring Idina Menzel as Elphaba and Kristin Chenoweth as Glinda.
From Stage to Screen: Jon M. Chu’s Vision
Decades later, filmmaker Jon M. Chu brought the musical to the big screen. The result is a visually stunning interpretation of “Wizard of Oz” lore, showcasing the untold backstory of the Wicked Witch and the Good Witch. Erivo’s powerful vocals and Grande’s charismatic charm carry the story, while Jeff Goldblum infuses the Wizard with his trademark eccentric charm.
The film has garnered critical acclaim, breaking box office records and snagging four Golden Globe nominations, including Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy and Best Actress for Erivo.
The journey from page to screen for “Wicked” is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling. It reminds us that even when dreams seem out of reach, with passion, persistence, and a little bit of magic, anything is possible.
Have you seen “Wicked”? Share your thoughts and favorite moments in the comments below!