The much-anticipated film version of "Wicked" is finally in development, after waiting for almost two decades.
While musicals like "Phantom of the Opera," "In The Heights," "West Side Story," "Dear Evan Hansen," and "Les Miserables" has already hit the silver screen, "Wicked" was one of the few huge productions that were yet to be seen on the silver screen.
After lengthy discussions, "Crazy Rich Asians" director Jon M. Chu has agreed to direct the film - casting Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande as the leads.
Recently, Tony-winning Actress Idina Menzel, who originated the role of the misunderstood Wicked Witch of the West Elphaba, has opened up on the recent casting choices made for the upcoming movie.
'Wicked Movie Casting Choices
Theatre kids were celebrating as news for the upcoming "Wicked" movie adaptation finally hit the headlines after Jon Chu accepted the director's seat.
While the decades-long debate of who will play the iconic roles of Elphaba and Glinda have been reignited last year, many fans still wanted Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth to play their respective roles.
But, a larger debate came to life when Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande were announced as the leads - sparking questions on why Menzel and Chenoweth were not cast.
Months after the film was reported to be split into two parts - Idina Menzel has finally spoken up about what she thinks of Erivo as the new Elphaba and why she was not cast for the role.
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Idina Menzel on 'Wicked' Movie Casting Choices
Idina Menzel originated the role of "Elphaba" in the Broadway adaptation of the musical in 2003, along with Kristin Chenoweth as "Glinda."
Since taking on the role, the world has known Menzel as "Elphaba" and the songs she has made popular after.
Asked what she thinks of the recent casting choices, Menzel has various emotions upon learning the news that the role will be given to Erivo.
"I'm very excited and I know it's in great hands and I've sent so much love to Cynthia and Ariana and I'm there for them if they need me. And yes, I'm a little sad that I'm just older and can't play the role, you know? And that's the honest truth," Menzel said.
For the "Frozen" actress, it was the "aging" and "proprietorship" of the role that struck her - and how it changed her life.
Idina Menzel won a Tony for Best Actress in a Musical at the 2003 Tony Awards for the role of "Elphaba" in "Wicked."Meanwhile, Cynthia Erivo has also won the same award as "Celie" for "The Color Purple" in 2015.
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