Look a new series! Inspired by the recent live TV version of The Sound of Music and some good twitter discussion, I decided to take a look at some of the various properties of stage and literature and create the perfect fantasy adaptation of said properties. I figured to get you all into this series I’d start out with a property everyone is more than likely very familiar with: the smash hit Broadway musical Wicked.
Synopsis: Wicked tells the story of two unlikely friends, Elphaba (the Wicked Witch of the West) and Glinda (the Good Witch of the North), who struggle through opposing personalities and viewpoints, rivalry over the same love-interest, reactions to the Wizard’s corrupt government, and, ultimately, Elphaba’s public fall from grace.
Pros: MAMMOTH success on Broadway, extremely beloved = instant box office, great score from an Award winning composer, Elphaba
Cons: the book is far superior in the plot department, didn’t win the Tony (not guaranteed to be an awards player), ending though emotional is a bit foolish
Potential Cast
Anne Hathaway as Elphaba
This is probably the most commonly suggested pairing but it seems like a great match. Hathaway can really sing, she’s an Oscar winner and this could return her back to the underdog roots she had when everyone loved her.
Alt. A complete unkown
Megan Hilty as Glinda
I am in love with Megan after her killing it on SMASH every damn week and she’d be so much fun as Glinda. She’s already played the role on stage before so why not let her tackle the film as well.
Aaron Tveit as Fiyero
He almost stole Les Miz from right out underneath everyone and he has the voice of an angel. He’s done this role on stage before and he’s got the charisma to pull off this part.
Alt. Ryan Gosling
Emmy Rossum as Nessarosa
I know, how dare I suggest Christine Diae play 2nd fiddle, but this part has always struck me as needing coiled intensity from someone who could be a big star and I think Rossum could do well as the put upon sister.
Alt. Samantha Barks
Patti LuPone as Madam Morrible
This role is both comedic and sinistetr and needs someone larger than life, so why not THE Broadway Diva LuPone?
Alt. Glen Close
Joel Grey as the Wizard
He was in the Broadway cast, he’s still alive and still can sing. He’s also an Oscar winner and how great would it be to have him in a musical again.
Alt. Richard Gere
Robin de Jesus as Boc
Gotta get some more Broadway love and de Jesus always provides great comic relief and emotional sincerity in every role he plays.
Alt. Josh Gad
Director: Joe Wright
Stephen Daldry is currently on tap to direct this film but honestly he feels too safe. Give me someone like Wright who will take some risks while giving you great story and beautiful visuals.
Alt. Tarsem Singh