James Cameron revealed that he was once close to directing a Wicked movie about fifteen years ago, long before the celebrated stage musical ever became a film. During an interview on The Town with Matthew Belloni, Cameron discussed his interest in adapting the story, highlighting the enduring influence of The Wizard of Oz on filmmakers and fans alike, and placing the James Cameron Wicked movie connection at the center of a fascinating “what if” scenario for Hollywood.
The opportunity for Cameron arose during a period when Universal Studios had been searching for a way to adapt Gregory Maguire’s book
“Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West”
since the 1990s. At that time, the adaptation would have been a direct take on the book, without any musical elements, as the Broadway show had not yet reached its peak success. Cameron described his struggles with one unique challenge.
I really love the story. The Wizard of Oz is one of my favorites. This is going back 15 years. I couldn’t find the song.
— James Cameron, Filmmaker
Other Directors’ Attempts and Universal’s Longstanding Ambitions
James Cameron was not the only renowned director drawn to the project. Over the years, figures like Robert Zemeckis and Stephen Daldry were also attached to the Wicked film adaptation. The directorial journey continued for many years until Jon M. Chu finally took the reins in 2021, ultimately bringing the musical’s vision to the big screen.
Universal’s persistence paid off as the project evolved into one of the most anticipated musical adaptations, capturing the imaginations of audiences around the world. Producers and studio executives, reflecting the film’s growing popularity, even suggested the possibility of expanding the universe:
“We have a responsibility to figure out how we can continue in this universe”
— Universal Representative
Main Cast and the Film’s Huge Success
The final movie, titled Wicked: For Good, cast Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, both central figures to the story’s emotional arc. The film achieved remarkable box office results, taking in $750 million globally, making it a standout hit among recent musical adaptations. The sequel, which adapts the remainder of the original stage production, has already shown strong financial promise, earning $223 million on its opening weekend against a reported $150 million budget.
Director Jon M. Chu, aware of the attachment fans have to the tale, addressed the creative choices for the upcoming sequel:
“This is still Elphaba and Glinda’s journey”
— Jon M. Chu, Director of Wicked: For Good. With the story now intersecting directly with the famous moments from The Wizard of Oz, including Dorothy’s memorable encounter with the Wicked Witch, anticipation remains high for future installments.
Looking Ahead for the Wicked Franchise
With Wicked: For Good now playing in theaters and audiences revisiting the legendary world of Oz, the franchise seems poised for further expansion. The involvement of major figures like James Cameron, Robert Zemeckis, and Stephen Daldry at various points underscores the enduring appeal of Wicked as a story and cinematic event. As Universal explores opportunities to continue building upon the universe, fans and newcomers alike await more adventures in Oz’s magical realm.
