The Oscar-nominated film Wicked, which stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, could soon be adapted into a television series. However, this potential remake may be based on the darker, X-rated original novel by Gregory Maguire rather than the family-friendly musical that audiences are familiar with.
Currently nominated for ten Academy Awards, Wicked serves as a prequel to the beloved Wizard of Oz. The film, along with the 2003 musical adaptation, draws inspiration from Maguire’s 1995 novel, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. While the musical focuses on whimsical elements, the book delves into much darker territory, exploring themes of torture, orgies, and forced castration.
Despite the novel’s more mature content, previous attempts to adapt it for television have fallen short. Notably, actress Salma Hayek, along with Demi Moore and Whoopi Goldberg, have all tried and failed to bring the story to the small screen. However, following the film’s critical and commercial success, a new opportunity may be on the horizon.
Maguire, now 70, recently told that for years there has been talk of a non-musical adaptation for TV or streaming services. “While we came pretty close several times to having such an operation greenlit, it hasn’t happened yet,” he said. “It may happen one day.”
In 2011, Hayek was attached to produce an eight-hour miniseries based on the novel, but the project never materialized. Meanwhile, in 2009, Maguire sold the rights to ABC, which planned a non-musical version that would remain faithful to the novel’s darker themes. Though executive producers Hayek and Jose Tamez, along with writer Erik Jendressen (of Band of Brothers fame), were initially onboard, the miniseries was ultimately shelved.
Despite the setbacks in TV adaptation, the Wicked movie franchise has continued to thrive. Recently, co-stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo opened the 97th Academy Awards with a stunning performance paying tribute to The Wizard of Oz. Grande kicked off the segment with a powerful rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” which left audiences in awe. The singer’s custom Schiaparelli gown, adorned with a ruby slipper on the back, was a subtle nod to Dorothy’s iconic footwear.
Following Grande’s performance, Erivo, who is also nominated for an Oscar, took the stage to perform “Home” from The Wiz, a Broadway musical later adapted into a film starring Michael Jackson. The pair then joined forces for a breathtaking rendition of Wicked’s “Defying Gravity,” with Grande stepping aside to let Erivo deliver the powerful final note. The audience erupted in applause as Erivo showcased her vocal prowess, standing on a rising platform.
As the Wicked franchise continues to captivate audiences, the potential for a new, darker television series based on the original novel remains an exciting prospect for fans.
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