The Wicked Film Adaptation: What to Expect in the Wicked Movie?

As of this writing, the movie adaptation of the hit musical “Wicked” is already being conceptualized. This is according to Mark Platt when he was interviewed by the entertainment website Film Divider.

What exactly did he say if the interview is to be relied upon?

Yes. But it’s not set in stone. The process of developing that movie has begun, we’re working on it, and whether it makes 2016 or not, I’m not so sure.

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It’s a loose goal. But the bar is very high for the creators of Wicked. Our show is still so strong everywhere, and we just set a record in both London and Edinburgh last week, and in Los Angeles, and we did on Broadway. Audiences enjoy that show so much that we are intending to move forward on the movie but aren’t going to do so until we’re satisfied in the material we have as a screenplay, and that the film will be every bit as satisfying as what we have on the stage.

– Mark Platt

Checking out his credentials online, Mark Platt is also the  producer of the film adaptation of the hit musical “Into The Woods”. It became evident then that whether the upcoming “Wicked” film adaptation will push through or not will depend on the success of “Into The Woods”. You can check here on Box Office Mojo the total gross as of this writing just in case you are not yet convinced of the drawing power of the hit musical’s film adaptation. It’s the green light (pun intended) that the crew is waiting for.

Platt mentioned that Winnie Holzman is currently in charge of writing the screenplay for the upcoming “Wicked” film adaptation. Holzman’s most famous work prior to this was the short-lived TV series “My So-Called Life“. Not many viewers may remember that TV series now but for those who do, you would understand why she was chosen to write the screenplay version of the hit musical. Act 1 resonated so much as a morality tale for struggling but idealistic teens.

Platt mentioned as well the chosen director for the film adaptation – Stephen Daldry. Initially known as the critically-acclaimed director of  sentimential favorites “Billy Elliot”, “The Reader” and “Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close”, his previous works looked like a nice mix of influences with which he can draw inspiration from once he starts working on the upcoming “Wicked” film adaptation. On what can possibly come up from this collaboration, we have yet to see.

I agree though about the high expectations from this musical as it is one of the biggest Broadway hits as of late. It turned Idina Menzel and Kristen Chenoweth into household names and, eventually, memorable guest stars on “Glee” that almost stole the spotlight from the lead stars themselves. So apart from the casting choices, the screenplay and the direction that would come out from the pre-production phase would be major factors.

And of course, the crew would mind much the CGI used. It’s the advantage commonly seen once a musical gets a film adaptation. You take advantage of the tricks that come with performing a pre-recorded version. Not sure how glaring the differences can possibly be knowing that it’s a fantasy adventure musical. But I hope they wouldn’t scrimp on the special effects. If Broadway and West End managed to pull off excellent stage production sets live, imagine the possibilities that a film adaptation presents. It gets me excited just to think how would Glinda’ bubble would look like and how awesome Elphaba’s flight would look like in 3D. Well the 3D part is not yet confirmed although it would be awesome to see Wicked in 3D.

Everyone here at MusicalsOnline.com would constantly be updated from any crew changes to casting possibilities and related stuff. Of course, the commentary would come following the updates since I can never guarantee shutting myself up in excitement. Just make sure that you get to like our official Facebook page, MusicalsOnline.com, and follow us on Twitter @musicalsnews to constantly provide you with updates and insights. Thanks for reading.