‘Wicked’ Composer Confirms New Songs for the Upcoming Film

Anyone who knows anything about Broadway knows about Wicked, and more importantly, they know the songs from Wicked. With such classics like “Popular”, “Defying Gravity” and “For Good”, I doubt there’s anyone who hasn’t got one of these songs stuck in your head at least twice. And now, it looks like longtime Wicked fans are going to have to download an updated version of that classic soundtrack in the near future, because Wicked is getting some new tunes. Wicked Musical composer Stephen Schwartz announced at the San Diego Comic-Con “Behind the Music” panel that four new songs will be added to the upcoming Wicked movie. In addition, one of the new additions will be a song that never made it into the final Broadway Production, leading to many fan speculations that he is referring to the cut song “Making Good.”

Even though long-time Wicked/Broadway fans are sure to be skeptical of the production for its movie adaptation, the people they have selected to head this film suggest that it is in good hands. Directing Wicked will be longtime film//theater director Stephen Daldry, whose record includes the well-received film adaptation of Billy Elliot, another critically acclaimed Broadway production. In addition, Marc Platt, who originally produced the Broadway stage show, has been signed on to produce the movie as well. The screenplay is to be written in co-collaboration between Schwartz and original book writer Winnie Holtzman, which really sells how far they are going to respect the fanbase. As for who will be playing the parts of Elphaba and Glinda, casting decisions for the movie have not been announced yet.

The announcement was a part of CW3PR’s annual Behind-the-Music: Crime, Death and Resurrection panel which featured some of the most prolific and talented composers currently working in both film and television. A discussion took place describing the power and enlivening dramatic potential that can come directly from music as well as a look inside the process to scoring some of the most thrilling films and television shows. Panelists for the event were: Jeff Russo (Fargo, The Night Of, Legion, American Gothic), Mac Quayle (Mr. Robot, American Horror Story, Scream Queens, The People v. O.J. Simpson), Tyler Bates (Guardians of the Galaxy, Salem, Kingdom), Mike Suby (The Vampire Diaries, Containment, The Originals), Bill Brown (Dominion, CSI: NY), Christopher Drake (Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Yoga Hosers). Violett Beane (The Flash, The Leftovers) & Drew Roy (Falling Skies) moderated the event.

Wicked the Musical debuted on October 30, 2003, and is still being performed at Broadway theaters today. It was nominated for ten Tony Awards in 2004 and won three, as well as six Drama Desk Awards and one Grammy Award. The Wicked movie is set for a December 20, 2019 release date.