In an alternate cinematic universe, the cast of Wicked could have looked strikingly different. Sources close to the project reveal that early plans for the film included Lady Gaga @ladygaga as Elphaba and Shawn Mendes @shawnmendes as Fiyero, under the direction of Stephen Daldry, renowned for his work on The Crown.
According to insiders, Gaga and Daldry even engaged in several creative discussions about shaping Elphaba’s character. “They had meetings about who Elphaba would be and what Gaga could bring to the role. She was essentially cast in Daldry’s vision,” shared a source familiar with the process. However, changes in the project’s leadership ultimately saw the role going to Cynthia Erivo in Jon M. Chu’s version.
Meanwhile, Shawn Mendes was rumored to be considered for the dashing Fiyero, a part now played by Bridgerton star Jonathan Bailey. While Mendes’ smooth vocals and charming presence would have brought a fresh take to the role, it seems fate had other plans.
The revelation underscores the twists and turns in the casting process and sparks the imagination about what a Gaga-Mendes Wicked might have looked like. Fans of the musical can only wonder what the pair would have brought to Oz.
With its current powerhouse cast, Wicked is set to soar when the highly anticipated film releases. But these behind-the-scenes tidbits add another layer of intrigue to its journey to the big screen.
