After years of various rumours and ‘confirmations’, coupled with various actors and producers and directors names floating in and out of conversation; Universal confirmed earlier today via their Twitter account that the film adaptation of the Musical Theatre hit, Wicked, will be released in 2019. Stephen Daldry, of Billy Elliot fame, is set to direct, in line with speculations that were being circulated before.
There has been talks of a film adaptation for 12 years, which Daldry and Winnie Holtzman (the original writer of the book of the musical) have been attached to since 2012. However, now Universal have confirmed that these rumours are true, with the release date set for 20th December, 2019.
Wicked is based on the novel by Gregory Maguire, and functions as a prequel to the Wizard of Oz; focusing on the relationship between Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, The Good Witch of the North.
The musical debuted at the Gershwin Theater on Broadway in 2003, starring Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth. It has since become one of the most successful musicals running today; playing in dozens of cities all over the world, to sell-out audiences.
The show’s main hit, ‘Defying Gravity’ has become one of the most recognised songs in the musical theatre world, with Elphaba being one of the most sought after roles among aspiring theatre actresses. It will be interesting to see how fans respond as casting news comes out for this beloved musical.
Enjoy highlights from the shows first 10 years on Broadway below:
