Post by tpal2150 on Oct 2, 2008 18:21:54 GMT -5
Well, for those who (like me) are fans of the broadway production, it looks as if the movie version is finally getting off the ground (www.variety.com/article/VR1117988927.html?categoryid=13&cs=1&query=wicked+movie). According to imdb, the release date is set for 2010, and the script is being written by the same person who wrote the book for the show. So now it seems it's just a question of casting. I've seen a lot of posts on various message boards saying that it *has* to be the original cast, at least in the lead roles, but I disagree. Frankly, good as they are, I think Idina Menzel and Kristen Chenowith are a bit too old (they're both around 40) to convincingly play 17-20 year olds, at least on screen. Personally, if I was doing the casting, here's who I'd pick:
Elphaba: Either Shoshana Bean (first choice), Victoria Matlock, or Kerry Ellis. They're all amazing in the role, and they're all around 30 and still look young enough to pass for the age of the character they'd be playing
Glinda: Megan Hilty. No question here. I've only seen her (and Shoshana and Kerry) via youtube, but I love the energy she puts into the role, and her voice is amazing. Plus, she's only 27...still young enough to pull it off convincingly on screen.
The Wizard: Joel Gray. He's the original wizard, and though I've seen others that were good (saw the show live on tour once), the role is pretty much made for him.
Madame Morrible: Either Rue McClanahan (first choice) or Carol Kane (though to be honest I'm basing this more on the other roles I've seen them in, as I've never actually seen either of them as Morrible.)
Fiyero: Joey MacIntyre. Love what I've seen of his performances in Wicked (gotta love youtube), plus I have fond memories of him from his New Kids on the Block days.
Not too picky about any of the other roles, just as long as the choices are based more on talent than getting big names.
Anyway...any other fans want to weigh in here?
Elphaba: Either Shoshana Bean (first choice), Victoria Matlock, or Kerry Ellis. They're all amazing in the role, and they're all around 30 and still look young enough to pass for the age of the character they'd be playing
Glinda: Megan Hilty. No question here. I've only seen her (and Shoshana and Kerry) via youtube, but I love the energy she puts into the role, and her voice is amazing. Plus, she's only 27...still young enough to pull it off convincingly on screen.
The Wizard: Joel Gray. He's the original wizard, and though I've seen others that were good (saw the show live on tour once), the role is pretty much made for him.
Madame Morrible: Either Rue McClanahan (first choice) or Carol Kane (though to be honest I'm basing this more on the other roles I've seen them in, as I've never actually seen either of them as Morrible.)
Fiyero: Joey MacIntyre. Love what I've seen of his performances in Wicked (gotta love youtube), plus I have fond memories of him from his New Kids on the Block days.
Not too picky about any of the other roles, just as long as the choices are based more on talent than getting big names.
Anyway...any other fans want to weigh in here?
