‘Wicked’ Rights Sought After by Whoopi Goldberg & Demi Moore in the 1990s

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As a devoted theater enthusiast with over two decades of immersion in the enchanting world of musicals and films, I can confidently say that the 2024 adaptation of “Wicked” directed by Jon M. Chu is nothing short of extraordinary. It’s a fascinating exercise in historical speculation to imagine how this beloved tale would have unfolded if it had been adapted in the 1990s, with Demi Moore as Elphaba and perhaps Michelle Pfeiffer as Glinda.

Gregory Maguire’s novel “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West,” published in 1995, has been brilliantly transformed into a two-part musical film directed by Jon M. Chu. Although viewers are spellbound by this movie’s take on the destination of the yellow brick road, it’s intriguing to ponder how much “Wicked” might have differed if it had been adapted in the 1990s, a quarter-century ago.

The tale of “Wicked” transforming from a book to a screenplay has been a complex and circuitous process, with a recent revelation by Vanity Fair offering insights into its roots dating back to the 1990s. Originally, the story found its way onto Broadway where it underwent a dramatic change in tone. However, two influential figures in the industry were competing for the film rights. One of these contenders was Demi Moore’s production company, which initially secured the rights. The other was Whoopi Goldberg, who was deeply invested in bringing the project to life. According to producer Marc Platt, he shared this information with the publication.

In an attempt to recall accurately, I think it’s safe to say that I assumed the role of President of Production at Universal around the time when the project was already in our hands. Previously, it had been optioned by Demi Moore’s production company.

Instead of Maguire, however, had a distinct concept for the film adaptation. He disclosed that several actresses were interested in portraying Elphaba on screen during the initial six months, including Whoopi Goldberg and Claire Danes. Salma Hayek and Laurie Metcalf also showed some interest. Furthermore, he shared his thoughts on how Moore would embody the intricate character of Elphaba.

“I used to say, I can imagine Demi Moore naked and green on the cover of Vanity Fair.”

As stated by Michelle Pfeiffer, who was a partner in the production, Emma Thompson, Nicole Kidman, and possibly Michelle Pfeiffer herself were potential candidates for the role of Glinda. However, these plans did not materialize, and instead, the project took a different path, culminating in its critically acclaimed run on Broadway. Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman served as directors, with Idina Menzel cast as Elphaba and Kristin Chenoweth taking the lead role as Glinda.

In Jon M. Chu’s Deft Hands, ‘Wicked’ Is Nothing Short Of A Masterpiece

If “Wicked” had been made into a film in the 1990s, it would have showcased an intriguing ensemble and aesthetic to match the cinematic fashions of that time. Fast-forward to the 2024 adaptation directed by John M. Chu, which has left audiences spellbound. The project was first announced in 2012, but it encountered several setbacks, including those due to the COVID-19 pandemic, before eventually premiering.

From a movie enthusiast’s perspective, “Wicked” takes me on an enchanting journey that delves into the complex bond between Glinda and Elphaba. Their friendship, fraught with moral quandaries, eventually leads them down different paths – one to become the Wicked Witch of the West, while the other becomes the Good Witch of the North. Cynthia Erivo’s portrayal of Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda are simply outstanding! The chemistry between these two is electrifying, and it’s further enhanced by captivating antagonistic performances from Michelle Yeoh and Jeff Goldblum as Madame Morrible and the Wonderful Wizard of Oz. To top it off, the film’s musical numbers, including “Defying Gravity,” “Popular,” and “Dancing Through Life,” add a sparkling brilliance to this already colorful tale.

Without a doubt, the movie “Wicked” proved to be an astonishing success at the box office, generating a whopping $164.2 million in its worldwide debut and accumulating a global total of $534.1 million. This makes it the second-highest-grossing film adaptation of a Broadway musical. Moreover, it has garnered four nominations at the Golden Globes, including Best Motion Picture — Musical or Comedy, as well as individual nods for Erivo in the Best Actress category and Grande for Best Supporting Actress.

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2024-12-20 18:03