'WICKED' The Movie

[ALIASd]

July 14, 2008

Universal Pictures has reupped "Wanted" producer Marc Platt for five years, keeping Marc Platt Prods. on the lot through late 2012.

Deal comes as Platt begins work on "Wanted 2" with director Timur Bekmambetov and writers Michael Brandt and Derek Haas..

The producer also just set up a remake of the 1973 rock opera "Jesus Christ Superstar," and Platt and the studio are taking formative steps toward a screen adaptation of "Wicked," the stage musical that Universal co-finances and Platt produces with David Stone.

After crossing the $1 billion mark in worldwide stage gross and opening its eighth production in Australia, "Wicked" has become one of the studio's most profitable investments and could follow a stage-to-screen track reminiscent of "Mamma Mia!" which U bows Friday.

Platt, who transitioned from U production prexy to producer under Stacey Snider and Ron Meyer has been at the studio for a decade. While he remains close with Snider (who left to run DreamWorks), he said he's loyal to Meyer -- who championed U's investment in "Wicked" -- and has developed strong ties to U Pictures chairman Marc Shmuger, co-chairman David Linde and production president Donna Langley.

"Marc has strong commercial tastes, but so eclectic that you can't put him in a box or category," Langley said. "Our goal now is absolutely to make the 'Wicked' film, but much like Judy Craymer wouldn't give up screen rights to 'Mamma Mia!' until the stage show had reached its pinnacle, Marc and Stephen Schwartz are very mindful of the right timing. But we're dying to do it."

Platt, who produced the play with Stone and U, confirmed they are in early movie talks, and that book writer Winnie Holzman will write the script.

Platt is working on two other screen musicals. His next film, for the Weinstein Co., is the Rob Marshall-directed "Nine," which stars Daniel Day-Lewis and shoots in London this fall. For Universal, he's just agreed to supervise a remake of the studio's rock opera "Jesus Christ Superstar," which was directed by Norman Jewison with songs by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice. Platt is in discussions with filmmakers.

Platt's next stage venture is a Roundabout Theater production of "Pal Joey" which is being directed by Joe Mantello in December.

http://www.variety.com/article/VR111...goryid=13&cs=1

[sir clinksalot]

I figured this announcement was pretty much inevitable given the popularity of Wicked. I just hope they do it right and try and get the original cast to do it.

As for JCS ... I hope they do it right unlike the horrible JCS2000 remake.

[nathan detroit]

30 of my friends saw Wicked on Saturday night in London and each and every one of them was blown away! I will be there to see it next month.
Viva the movie musical!

[I Heart Disneyland]

Argh. I sure hope it's done well because I LOVE Wicked. Could be a fiasco!

[Roo719]

"Wicked" might work a bit better it is animated, I would think.

Not that it matters...I can sing along either way. I'll go to a matinee when there's less people.

As for "Nine" with Daniel Day-Lewis? No, that isn't going to work AT ALL.

Peace,
Roo

[Monoman]

Originally Posted by sir clinksalot

I figured this announcement was pretty much inevitable given the popularity of Wicked. I just hope they do it right and try and get the original cast to do it.

I second that...would love to see Wicked as a movie but it would have to be done right. The original cast would be great, although the actress who played Elphaba in the touring cast in LA a couple years ago (I think her name is Stephanie J. Block) would be an excellent choice as well.

[krystledm]

Unless she has prior commitments, I see no reason why idina wouldn't come back. She did for Rent...

As for Kristen, same, she's make a few flicks already. But they would have to work around "Pushing Dasies". I wouldn't be ok with her leaving to do a movie.

[duckiedianne]

I think this could be amazing!!!

[Aladdin]

Originally Posted by Roo719

"Wicked" might work a bit better it is animated, I would think.

Not that it matters...I can sing along either way. I'll go to a matinee when there's less people.

As for "Nine" with Daniel Day-Lewis? No, that isn't going to work AT ALL.

Peace,
Roo

If they did a live action version of Wicked, the studio would probably press for some high profile people in the part of Elphaba and Glenda, it would be risky messing it up with some celebrity who can't sing. BUT I really like the idea of and animated movie of Wicked, maybe they could do both a live action and an animated version.

[xalesa]

I have a friend at Universal who tells me they have been trying to get Wicked into a movie for a very long time. Actually, the book was considered as a movie first, then got moved to a play. I've seen it twice, and I agree it's fabulous!!!

I'm with eveyone else, the movie version better be incredible!!! Stephanie J. Block would be a great choice if Idina Menzel can't do it.

[thrax]

god it's about time that this happens!!

i hope they get christen chenoweth to play glinda

[Queentitania19]

I don't think they'd dare to cast someone else if Kristen and Idina said they wanted to do it. I think everyone in Hollywood remembers the great Julie Andrews fiasco of My Fair Lady. No studio wants to re-learn that lesson. That being said, if it takes them more than 5 or so years to get it into production they'll probably have to re-cast Elphaba because Idina is getting a little to old to play her during the younger years. Kristen has that baby face, she can get away with it but Idina was looking a little too old to play Maureen she'll be even worse as young Elphaba. They'd better get a move on. The fall out from someone else playing that part would hurt the movie's chances of success.

::Spoiler:: If you haven't read the book or seen the musical





That being said, I read the book before I ever found out about the musical and I'm not sure I'd go see the movie unless they stuck to the book more. From what I've heard about the musical (haven't been able to see it yet, it sells out like 5 min after it goes on sale whenever it comes here... curses) it seriously sells out some of the main ideals of the book. I will never forget how I was almost sick with rage when I found out that Elphaba lives in the stage version. I was so upset I almost puked. It just throws away all the impact of the song "For Good" for me. Think how much more moving that song is when she dies after it. When I heard the soundtrack I didn't know how the musical ended and I wept on the floor of my room because of the tragedy of it. All that is so cheapened by her living happily ever after with Fiero... bleck. And somehow they combine 3 or 4 different guys into Fiero. It literally makes me laugh hysterically to think that Elphie would ever have any kind of crush on Avery.. she couldn't stand him and that's one of the characters they blended into Fiero. The number "Dancing Through Life" is pure Avery. Fiero was much too quiet ans serious for that. As far as I know they also left out Fiero's wife and kids which are a major plot device as well as the fact that Elphie has a child.

Not to mention the song "The Wizard and Me" makes me want to throw things. AS IF Elphaba ever did anything but hate the Wizard with every fiber of her being. Even from her first day at school she talks about how much she hates the Wizard because his selfish tyranny and the things she's seen him do. She risks her life to do research that she knows the Wizard wants suppressed because she hates everything he stands for. ARGH!!

If they make the movie just like the musical they are missing the opportunity for one of the best movies of the DECADE! This story is on par with a Greek tragedy. It screams "GIVE ME AN OSCAR BECAUSE I'LL MAKE YOU BAWL YOUR EYES OUT!!" If they just make the musical into a movie then it will just be another cutsy musical-movie. It will get mediocre press and mediocre sales. Just like Hairspray did and Mama Mia! probably will. This is an outstanding story and I understand why the stage version needed to be lighter but movies don't. If anything movies are the best vehicle for a dramatic interpretation of a novel if it's done right.

[Twist_of_Fate]

I just popped in to say that there are movie versions of musicals that don't involve too many aspects of the original cast that come across quite well. I mean, if the original cast was WILLING to do it, fine. Go to them unless you, as the studio, have a really, REALLY good reason not to.

But it's not the sort of thing where, if the original cast doesn't want to do it, the entire project will be doomed to failure because it's not the original cast.

[ALIASd]

Originally Posted by Queentitania19

It will get mediocre press and mediocre sales. Just like Hairspray did and Mama Mia! probably will.

Mediocre would describe 'Hairspray' 1988, $6 million domestic box office
(however it probably more than easily made its budget back)

However 'Hairspray' 2007 took in over $200 million worldwide with predominently positive reviews, plus very successful home entertainment releases & soundtrack

'Dreamgirls' with the benefit of a very agressive Oscar campaign, 8 eventual nominations and 2 wins took in over $154 million worldwide.

'Mamma Mia!' is already cleaning up overseas and should do quite well here based on some early glowing reviews. With arguably one of the weakest stories to ever float a popular worldwide hit musical it can only benefit from La Streep & a terrific looking supporting cast and location.

[penguinsoda]

I am one of the few people on the planet that hasn't seen Wicked on stage yet. I've always wanted to see it, but live to far away from anywhere its played. If they make it into a movie, at least then I'll finally get a chance to see it and see what everyone else is talking about!