Before Broadway’s Wicked enchanted audiences and became a cultural phenomenon, plans for a movie adaptation were brewing in the 1990s. Decades before it graced the stage with its stunning visuals and unforgettable music, Hollywood had its eyes on the story of the witches of Oz. Now, newly revealed details shed light on what could have been: an unmade Wicked movie with a cast list featuring some of the most iconic stars of the era, including Salma Hayek.
Here’s what we know about the ambitious plans for Wicked in the 1990s, the creative minds behind the project, and why it never materialized.
The Origins of the 1990s ‘Wicked’ Movie Concept
Based on Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, the story reimagines L. Frank Baum’s classic The Wizard of Oz from the perspective of Elphaba, the misunderstood Witch of the West. The novel was a darker, more politically charged tale that explored themes of power, prejudice, and destiny, making it ripe for a cinematic adaptation.
In the mid-to-late 1990s, studios reportedly expressed interest in adapting Wicked for the big screen. Salma Hayek, fresh off her breakout roles in Desperado (1995) and Fools Rush In (1997), was said to be interested in taking on a lead role, possibly as Elphaba.
The Cast That Might Have Been
While the project never got off the ground, discussions about the potential cast have intrigued fans for years. According to industry whispers, the following stars were considered or expressed interest:
Salma Hayek as Elphaba
Known for her charisma and ability to bring depth to complex characters, Hayek was rumored to have shown interest in the role of the green-skinned heroine. Her dramatic talent and unique screen presence could have brought a distinctive edge to Elphaba’s struggle for acceptance and justice.
Nicole Kidman as Glinda
During the ’90s, Kidman was a rising star with critically acclaimed performances in To Die For (1995) and Eyes Wide Shut (1999). Her poised elegance made her a natural choice for the bubbly, ambitious Glinda, the Witch of the North.
Johnny Depp as Fiyero
Depp’s offbeat charm and growing popularity following roles in Edward Scissorhands (1990) and Donnie Brasco (1997) placed him as a strong contender for Fiyero, the dashing prince caught between Elphaba and Glinda.
Anjelica Huston as Madame Morrible
With her commanding screen presence and iconic turn as Morticia Addams in The Addams Family films, Huston was rumored to be considered for the role of Madame Morrible, the scheming headmistress who manipulates Elphaba and Glinda.
Christopher Walken as the Wizard
The enigmatic Walken, known for his distinctive delivery and roles in films like Pulp Fiction (1994), would have brought a darker, more mysterious energy to the role of the Wizard of Oz.
Why the Movie Was Never Made
Despite the buzz surrounding a potential Wicked movie, the project faced several roadblocks:
The Challenge of Adapting the Novel
Gregory Maguire’s Wicked is dense, with intricate political and social themes that posed a challenge for filmmakers seeking to condense the story into a two-hour film.
Shifting Industry Trends
By the late 1990s, fantasy films had not yet seen the mainstream resurgence that franchises like Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings would bring in the early 2000s. The market for such a dark, unconventional story was uncertain.
The Broadway Success
In the early 2000s, composer Stephen Schwartz and writer Winnie Holzman adapted the novel into a Broadway musical, which debuted in 2003. The musical’s phenomenal success likely overshadowed earlier plans for a film, with producers opting to focus on the stage production instead.
What If? The Legacy of the Unmade Film
The unmade 1990s Wicked movie is a fascinating “what if” in Hollywood history. With its star-studded potential cast, the film could have offered a darker, more adult take on the story compared to the Broadway production.
However, the eventual success of Wicked as a musical—and the upcoming film adaptation directed by Jon M. Chu, starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande—has proven that the tale of Elphaba and Glinda resonates across generations, no matter the format.
Salma Hayek’s Reflections
While Hayek has never officially commented on the rumors, fans have speculated how her involvement could have shaped her career. Already a versatile actor, taking on the role of Elphaba might have added another iconic character to her repertoire.
Conclusion
The unmade 1990s Wicked movie serves as a reminder of Hollywood’s many unrealized projects and the talent that might have brought them to life. As fans eagerly await the new Wicked film, it’s fascinating to imagine what could have been with Salma Hayek, Nicole Kidman, Johnny Depp, and others leading the charge.
Though the film never materialized, Wicked continues to weave its magic, whether on stage or in the long-awaited big-screen adaptation.