James Cameron, known for his groundbreaking work on Avatar, recently shared that he nearly directed a film version of Wicked, offering rare insight into his connection with the project. On The Town with Matt Belloni podcast, Cameron discussed his experience considering the James Cameron Wicked movie adaptation more than a decade ago, explaining what ultimately led him to step away.
Why Cameron Considered and Abandoned the Project
Speaking with host Matt Belloni, Cameron commented on the shifting landscape of Hollywood, noting that only certain large-scale projects are being greenlit with significant budgets today. It was during this discussion that he reflected on his own close call with adapting the popular Wicked story.
“The kind of movies that I like to watch, let’s say Dune or even Wicked,”
said Cameron, highlighting his taste for ambitious fantasy and musical films. He further revealed,
“I almost made Wicked back when. I really love the story, I mean The Wizard of Oz is one of my favorite [movies]. This is going back 15 years,”
he said, recalling his near-involvement with the adaptation.
Cameron confirmed that he met with Universal Pictures to explore bringing Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel and the hit Broadway version of Wicked to the screen. However, he could not solve a crucial creative challenge, openly stating, “I couldn’t find the song,” when asked why he stepped away. Despite his interest, Cameron made it clear he was not opposed to working on musicals in general, adding
“Well, my favorite movie is a musical, Wizard of Oz.”
Legacy of the Wicked Story and Its Star-Studded Interest
Before Wicked became a Broadway sensation, numerous high-profile actresses expressed interest in joining its transition to film. Among them were Whoopi Goldberg, Demi Moore, Claire Danes, Salma Hayek, Laurie Metcalf, Michelle Pfeiffer, Emma Thompson, and Nicole Kidman. These contenders saw the potential in Gregory Maguire’s reimagined Oz universe.
The musical eventually solidified its place in theater history, with Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman crafting an award-winning production. Idina Menzel took on the powerful role of Elphaba, while Kristin Chenoweth played Glinda, helping secure Wicked’s status as a Tony-winning hit.
From Stage to Screen: Universal’s Two-Part Film Adaptation
Universal’s eventual movie version draws from both Maguire’s book and the Broadway musical, planning to tell the epic tale in two cinematic installments. The upcoming sequel, Wicked: For Good, directed by Jon M. Chu, promises to continue the journey of Elphaba and Glinda after their days at Shiz University.
The film features Cynthia Erivo reprising Elphaba, Ariana Grande as Glinda, and Jeff Goldblum taking on the role of the Wizard of Oz. This ensemble is set to bring new life to some of Oz’s most beloved characters.
The Fascination with a Cameron-Led Wicked Adaptation
James Cameron’s visual storytelling and flair for epic fantasy could have brought an entirely different energy to the world of Oz. While his version never materialized, the idea of Cameron steering a musical adaptation still captures the imagination of fans and industry observers. With the official film adaptation underway, audiences are now eager to see how Universal and its creative team reimagine this timeless story for the big screen.
