Way back when, Universal Pictures announced that they’d be producing an adaptation of “Wicked.” The three-time Tony-winning musical is basically responsible for jumpstarting the careers of both Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, who were the original Elphaba and Glinda (Galinda, for the stans) in the musical’s first Broadway run in 2004, and fans have had their fingers crossed that they would reprise their roles in the upcoming film (even though Angelina Jolie was rumored to be interested in the Wicked Witch part herself).
While we still don’t have major casting details on the film, which is set for release on Dec. 20, 2019, it’s no secret that fans desperately want to see Menzel and Chenoweth together again. While the two have reportedly been told they’ve both aged too much to fit the roles once more, they’re both dying to be in on it somehow.
Chenoweth has even said that if she doesn’t show up as Glinda, she would be interested in being a part of the movie in some way -- even as a Munchkin, which would be just about the cutest thing ever, am I right?
Good news, though! Even if it won’t happen in the upcoming film, Menzel and Chenoweth will have their place in the “Wicked” cast once more. For the 15th anniversary of “Wicked” opening on Broadway, NBC will air a Halloween-time special called, “A Very Wicked Halloween: Celebrating 15 Years on Broadway.” The concert on Oct. 29, perfectly in line with Halloween, will feature the OG Elphaba and Glinda as co-hosts and performers at New York City's Marquis Theater.
The show’s original team, including director Glenn Weiss, will also play a part. The current company of “Wicked” will be there (with stars in their eyes, I’m sure), as will other performers like Pentatonix and Ariana Grande.
Do they think this will hold people over until next year? Maybe, but if anything, this is going to make fans go nuts over Menzel and Chenoweth’s movie involvement even more.