Few stories hold as much cultural weight as ‘The Wizard of Oz’. Adapted from L. Frank Baum’s beloved novel, the 1939 film remains a cornerstone of cinematic history. Over the years, there have been numerous attempts to retell this classic tale, but only one adaptation has managed to capture its magic quite like ‘Wicked’. The upcoming film draws inspiration from the hugely successful 2003 Broadway musical, which in turn is based on Gregory Maguire’s bestselling novel. It revolves around Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), a girl with green skin who faces ostracism and discrimination. Her deep friendship with Galinda, who later becomes Glinda (Ariana Grande), is tested by societal prejudices that ultimately drive them apart.
By the time ‘Wicked’. hits theatres on 22nd November 2024, it will take 21 years to bring this story to the big screen, a journey marked by numerous challenges. When producer Marc Platt and a talented team—including composer Stephen Schwartz, writer Winnie Holzman, and director Joe Mantello—brought ‘Wicked’. to Broadway in 2003, it quickly became the hottest ticket in town, breaking box office records even a decade later.
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Although rumours about a film adaptation swirled for years, serious discussions only began in 2016 when The Hollywood Reporter announced that Universal had tapped Stephen Daldry to direct. Initially slated for a December 2019 release, excitement was palpable, but obstacles lay ahead.
In August 2018, Universal delayed the film to prioritize the adaptation of ‘Cats’, which ultimately flopped. The pandemic further grounded ‘Wicked’., pushing its second release date to December 2021, only to be taken by ‘Sing 2’. After more changes, the project found new life with director Jon M. Chu at the helm in February 2021.
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Known for his visually stunning films, Chu’s passion for ‘Wicked’. is evident; he emphasized practical effects and sets to translate the stage version into a vibrant film experience. Unlike some previous adaptations, the creative team behind ‘Wicked’. is willing to take creative liberties, including splitting the story across two movies. This dedication and innovative approach have positioned ‘Wicked’. as not just another adaptation but a highly anticipated cinematic event.
–Farheen Ali