Wicked heading to the big screen

The hit Broadway musical Wicked is heading to the big screen, with several big name directors lining up for a chance to direct.

The report comes from Deadline, who claim that J.J. Abrams, James Mangold, Ryan Murphy and Rob Marshall are all taking meetings with Universal regarding a feature film adaptation of Wicked. The musical’s producer Marc Platt, book writer Winnie Holzman and songwriter Stephen Schwartz have also been involved in the creative meetings.

For those not in the know (and seriously, where have you been), Wicked is a prequel to The Wizard of Oz, as well as an alternate take on the story told from the perspective of the witches.

Wicked is not the only Wizard Of Oz inspired film heading to cinemas. There is also Oz, The Great and Powerful (maybe directed by Sam Raimi), a proposed WOO sequel that might be helmed by Drew Barrymore, another prequel, an animated feature and two potential remakes.

Yes, The Wizard of Oz is the new vampire.

Wicked has the advantage of being an already beloved property (it was a novel before finding success on the stage). Marshall (Nine, Chicago) and Murphy (Glee) are the obvious choices here, although the idea of Abrams helming a musical is an interesting prospect. Mangold is a solid, but unremarkable director, whose best attribute seems to be an ability to work in any genre.

Yep, four solid choices. I say hire Murphy, and then we can see Lea Michele star in the lead. Or hell, even Chris Colfer. Here’s why.

Discuss: OK, pick your director!