Why Did Wicked Director Jon M. Chu Ignored Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Request To Make Cameo In The Musical? ‘Sorry, Lin!’

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Lin-Manuel Miranda was among several famous figures vying for a role in the 2024 Wicked film, but he ultimately didn’t secure it. Given his history with successful musicals such as Hamilton, Moana, The Lion King, Mary Poppins Returns, Tick, Tick… Boom!, Encanto, and others, one might expect him to be offered the part due to his talent in that field.

However, it was discovered that director Jon M. Chu had firm casting decisions. During an interview with Variety, he disclosed that Hamilton actor Lin-Manuel Miranda frequently contacted him, advocating for a particular role. According to Chu, Miranda, whom he collaborated with on the 2021 musical In The Heights, expressed his desire to portray a citizen of Munchkinland.

In the initial scene of the movie, there’s a character who queries Glinda (Ariana Grande) about Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), “Were you two friends?” The director chose not to include this scene because it could have taken attention away from the main narrative, making it too distracting.

He also mentioned, “I’m sorry, Lin!” Later on, it was found that Miranda not only placed those calls, but also reached out to Chu via tweet for a minor part in the musical. Back then, he had exclaimed, “WICKED MOVIE! FINALLY” on Twitter.

Later on, he asked director Stephen Daldry, who was involved from the start of production, if he could take on the character who exclaimed, “Was it true you were her friend?” This part ultimately ended up being played by actress Kirsty Anne Shaw.

Despite appearing to have no ill feelings towards each other, Chu and Miranda were all smiles when photographed together at the National Board of Review Awards Gala held in New York City recently. In fact, Chu was awarded the title of Best Director for his work on Wicked during the event.

In this film version of the popular Broadway musical, Erivo and Grande took on the primary roles. The ensemble cast included Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, Ethan Slater, Jeff Goldblum, Peter Dinklage, Marissa Bode, Bowen Yang, and Keala Settle. Last year’s blockbuster hit, Wicked, grossed an impressive $709 million at the worldwide box office, making it one of the highest-grossing films of last year.

(or)

The lead roles in the movie adaptation of the successful Broadway musical went to Erivo and Grande. Joining them were Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, Ethan Slater, Jeff Goldblum, Peter Dinklage, Marissa Bode, Bowen Yang, and Keala Settle. Wicked, a massive blockbuster from last year, earned $709 million at the global box office.

(or)

In the film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical, Erivo and Grande starred as the main characters. The cast was rounded out by Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, Ethan Slater, Jeff Goldblum, Peter Dinklage, Marissa Bode, Bowen Yang, and Keala Settle. Last year’s blockbuster film Wicked brought in an impressive $709 million at the global box office.

(or)

The movie version of the popular Broadway musical showcased Erivo and Grande as the lead performers. The cast was completed by Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, Ethan Slater, Jeff Goldblum, Peter Dinklage, Marissa Bode, Bowen Yang, and Keala Settle. Wicked, a major blockbuster from last year, earned $709 million at the worldwide box office.

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2025-01-22 23:37