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‘Wicked’ Casting Close Calls: 13 Celebrities Who Almost Took the Stage
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The beloved musical Wicked, based on the novel by Gregory Maguire, has captivated audiences since its premiere in 2003. But the cast we know and love almost looked very different. Numerous high-profile actors were considered for the iconic roles of Elphaba and Glinda, and some came remarkably close to landing the parts.Here’s a look at thirteen celebrities who were in the running to star in Wicked.
Early Considerations & Initial choices
Before Idina menzel and Kristin Chenoweth cemented their places in Broadway history, the producers explored a wide range of talent. The search for the perfect Elphaba and Glinda was extensive, with several well-known names vying for the opportunity.
| Actor | Role Considered | outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Michelle Williams | Glinda | Did not pursue |
| Britney Spears | Glinda | did not pursue |
| Jennifer Lopez | Elphaba | Did not pursue |
| Christina Aguilera | Elphaba | Did not pursue |
| Katy Perry | Glinda | Did not pursue |
| Nick Jonas | Fiyero | Did not pursue |
| Adam Lambert | Fiyero | Did not pursue |
| Lance Bass | Fiyero | Did not pursue |
| Jesse McCartney | Fiyero | did not pursue |
| Josh Groban | Fiyero | did not pursue |
| John Lloyd Young | Fiyero | Did not pursue |
| daniel Radcliffe | Fiyero | Did not pursue |
| Kevin McHale | Fiyero | Did not pursue |
Did You Know?
Britney Spears was seriously considered for the role of Glinda, but ultimately did not pursue the opportunity. this highlights the initial ambition to cast major pop stars in the production.
pop Stars and Broadway Hopefuls
The producers weren’t shy about approaching pop icons. Both britney Spears and Katy Perry were reportedly considered for the role of Glinda,the “good” witch. the idea was to bring a certain level of mainstream recognition to the show
, according to industry insiders. Similarly,Christina Aguilera and Jennifer Lopez were approached for the role of Elphaba,the misunderstood “wicked” witch.
Beyond the pop stars, several Broadway veterans and rising talents were also in the mix for the role of Fiyero, the charming prince. Adam Lambert, Josh Groban, and even Daniel Radcliffe were considered. the competition was fierce, demonstrating the high demand to be part of this groundbreaking musical.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on BroadwayWorld.com for the latest casting news and rumors about upcoming productions.
The Final Choices and Lasting Legacy
Ultimately, Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth were chosen to play Elphaba and Glinda, respectively. Their performances became iconic,earning them numerous awards and solidifying Wicked‘s place in Broadway history. While many other talented actors were considered, the final cast proved to be a perfect fit for the show’s complex characters and soaring score.
“The chemistry between Idina and Kristin was undeniable. They brought a depth and nuance to the roles that no one else could have matched
