‘Wicked’ Movie Adaptation Could Be In Theaters As Early As 2016

The hit musical Wicked may hit theaters in 2016. Producer Marc Platt revealed in an interview that a screenplay for Wicked is currently in works with hopes that the movie version will premiere in 2016.

In an interview with Film Divider, Platt said that producers are inspired to move forward with Wicked due to its success both in the United Kingdom and the United States. Platt is also a producer for Into The Woods, which was released in theaters on December 25. Screenwriter Winnie Holzman is drafting the script for Wicked. Stephen Daldry will most likely direct.

However, the 2016 date is not set in stone. Marc says that producers want to make a quality film rather than create a poor film on a rushed schedule.

“2016 is the goal, but I don’t know whether we’ll make that goal or not. We will make the movie, but like I said, the bar is really high. We’re going to scrutinize our work on the screenplay and our prep on the movie, and when we feel like it’s ready, okay. We’re not going to shoot a release date is what I’m saying. It’s in the works, it’s not in a rush.”

Marc hopes that the success of other movie versions of musicals will inspire patience in fans.

“It took 27 years to make Into the Woods into a film from its original stage production, and 30 years with Les Mis. Some things take time for a reason.”

The UK Daily Telegraph adds that a presentation by Tim Richards, CEO of Vue Cinemas, included a slide on Wicked. The inclusion of the movie on Vue’s slates sparked the 2016 rumors. Long rumored cast and crew include Daldry, who directed Billy Elliot, Lea Michele as Elphaba, and Harry Styles of One Direction as Fiyero. Universal owns the rights to the movie adaptation, but has not confirmed the 2016 release date.

Wicked follows the friendship between Glinda and Wicked Witch of the West, Elphaba. The musical is based on Geoffrey Mcguire’s 1995 novel and originally starred Idina Menzel as Elphaba and Kristin Chenoweth as Glinda. Wicked earned three Tony Awards and a Grammy.

UK cast members have previously shown support for a movie version of Wicked as covered by the Inquisitr. In 2013, Universal chairman Kevin Fogelson was excited that the company would create the movie. Universal also has majority rights to Wicked the musical. Nikki Davis-Jones (Elphaba) and Emily Tierney (Glinda) agreed that the broad scope of the musical would translate well to film.

[Photo Source: Seen Liverpool]