Whoopi Goldberg's Early Interest in 'Wicked'

Long before "Wicked" enchanted audiences on Broadway, the original 1995 novel by Gregory Maguire sparked a firestorm of interest in Hollywood. Whoopi Goldberg, a powerhouse in the entertainment industry, was among the first to chase after the film rights to "Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West," shortly after the novel's debut.

Goldberg's Passion and Competition

Goldberg’s representative confirmed in a conversation with Vanity Fair, "This is true. Whoopi loved the book and tried hard to get the rights." The excitement around the book was palpable, and Goldberg wasn’t alone in her quest. Maguire recalls that many actresses expressed interest within the first six months. Claire Danes, Salma Hayek, and Laurie Metcalf were also contenders vying for a piece of the "Wicked" magic.

Demi Moore's Bid for the Lead Role

At one point, Demi Moore emerged as a strong candidate for the lead, having secured the rights through her production company, Moving Pictures. Maguire even envisioned Moore portraying Elphaba: "I used to say, I can imagine Demi Moore naked and green on the cover of Vanity Fair," he commented, showcasing the ambitious spirit surrounding the project. Names like Michelle Pfeiffer, Emma Thompson, and Nicole Kidman circulated as potential candidates for the role of Glinda, as shared by Suzanne Todd, Moore’s producing partner.

The Shift to Broadway

Despite Goldberg’s and others' intentions, the project shifted gears. The rights eventually landed with Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman, who transformed the book into a Tony Award-winning Broadway musical. The stage adaptation featured powerhouse performances from Idina Menzel as Elphaba and Kristin Chenoweth as Glinda, captivating audiences with its stunning music and poignant storytelling.

The Film Adaptation Today

Fast forward to today, Jon M. Chu's film adaptation of "Wicked" is finally set to hit theaters, revitalizing the story for a new generation. The movie stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, alongside a remarkable cast including Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard. As fans eagerly await this cinematic journey, one can’t help but wonder: What if Whoopi Goldberg had secured the rights all those years ago? How differently might the landscape of modern musicals look today?

Conclusion

Stay tuned as we unravel more behind-the-scenes stories from Hollywood's relentless pursuit of magical tales!