Whilst it’s already been a while since Universal announced their plans to release a film adaptation of hit Broadway show ‘Wicked,’ there’s been very little said about potential casting.
However with a due date set for December 2019, rumblings have begun online that the lead character, Elphaba, will be played by ex-Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger.
Originally portrayed by Idina Menzel on the stage (who many know as the voice of Elsa in ‘Frozen’), she remains the fan favourite for the part despite now being too old to play the green-faced college student. A case has already been made for Lea Michele, the ‘Glee’ actress who played Idina’s Season 1 character Shelby’s daughter. Michele has already proved her capability through belting out the musical’s well-known ballad “Defying Gravity,” and in a later season of ‘Glee’ took on Idina’s iconic “Let It Go” with ease.
The demanding part of Elphaba requires its actress to sing some of the toughest songs in the musical catalogue, and so naturally doubts have already been raised about Nicole’s ability to live up to Idina’s groundbreaking performance. However, with a recent appearance in Disney’s ‘Moana’ and an Olivier nomination for playing Grizabella in ‘Cats’ in 2015, she is no stranger to the world of show tunes.
Whilst it has merely been rumoured that Nicole is “in talks” with Universal, even less has been said about who will star alongside her as the pixie-like blonde bombshell Galinda/ Glinda the Good Witch.
Originated by Kristin Chenoweth, who is a veteran of both stage and screen, it appears whoever the studio eventually casts to play either of the fated friends will have some big silver-slippered shoes to fill.
Edited by Jenine Tudtud
Sources:
http://www.hercampus.com/school/temple/idina-menzel-s-idina-slays
http://wstale.com/celebrities/nicole-scherzinger-star-movie-adaptation-wicked/
https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/241646336225635891/
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