The film is set to be directed by Jon M. Chu, who directed the cinema adaptation of In the Heights.
It has been announced Academy Award-nominee Cynthia Erivo and singer Ariana Grande will lead the cast of the eagerly anticipated film adaptation of Wicked.
Cynthia Erivo who made her Broadway debut reprising her starring role as ‘Celie’ in the revival of The Color Purple. She first played the role in 2013 at London’s Menier Chocolate Factory and her performance on Broadway earned her several awards, including the Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical. She will be stepping into the role of Elphaba.
Meanwhile, Ariana Grande who appeared in the original Broadway cast of Jason Robert Brown’s 13: The Musical and played Penny Pingleton in the 2016 NBC live television performance of Hairspray, will be taking on the role of Glinda.
Further casting and release details have yet to be announced.
This film adaptation of Wicked is being produced by Marc Platt Productions and is set to feature a screenplay by the creators of the musical Winnie Holzman and Stephen Schwartz.
Based on Gregory Maguire’s novel, the story tells the story of Elphaba who has magical talent and Glinda who is the popular girl at school. But while the pair initially don’t get along, they soon develop a surprising friendship that leads to unexpected adventures.
The musical was first seen on Broadway in 2003 and transferred to the West End in 2006. It won three Tony Awards.
Filming for the big screen adaptation is set to being in the UK next year.