‘Wicked’ success threatens to unleash Broadway musical hell on us all

The overwhelming success of the Wicked movie adaptation could be a double-edged sword for Hollywood. On one hand, it’s proving that musicals can be big box office draws, with Wicked already surpassing its $150 million budget and on track to be one of the highest-grossing films of the year. This success may open the floodgates for other beloved stage musicals to make their way to the big screen, creating an exciting new wave of musical adaptations.

Naturally, Hamilton is among the top contenders for a movie adaptation. The Lin-Manuel Miranda sensation has already proven its mass appeal through its streaming debut, and fans are clamoring for a full-scale cinematic version. Given Miranda’s growing influence in Hollywood, particularly with his work on Frozen, Moana, and Encanto, a Hamilton film seems like a logical next step. The historical setting, period costumes, and elaborate sets would make the film a costly but potentially massive hit. However, while this is great news for fans of musicals, it also raises the question: Is this push for more stage-to-screen adaptations really a good thing?

On the positive side, Hamilton could be just the beginning. Musicals like Miss Saigon, Heathers, Hadestown, and The Book of Mormon have all gained traction on social media and are likely to attract large audiences if adapted into movies. However, the flip side is that not every musical translates well to film. For every Les Misérables or Hairspray, there’s the potential for disasters like A Chorus Line or Cats, which were met with critical and commercial failure.

The danger lies in Hollywood’s rush to capitalize on Wicked‘s success, potentially flooding the market with musicals that are better suited for the stage than for cinema. While some musicals could thrive in the movie format, others might struggle to capture the magic of live theater, leading to a possible glut of adaptations that feel inauthentic or forced. If Hollywood is not careful, the rush to adapt Broadway hits could end up diluting the magic that makes these shows special.

Ultimately, Wicked’s success is a blessing for musical lovers, but it’s also a cautionary tale. Hollywood needs to tread carefully, ensuring that each adaptation is given the attention, respect, and creativity it deserves, rather than churning out adaptations for the sake of cashing in on a trend.