James Corden.Photo: Emma McIntyre/Getty
Many anticipating theupcoming film adaptationof the hit musicalWickedhave one request for the casting team behind the project — don’t hireJames Corden.
“James Corden in no way shape or form should be in or near the production ofWickedthe movie,” a statement on the petition reads. “That’s pretty much it.”
As of Monday morning, the petition had over 33,000 signatures from like-minded individuals calling for the actor and late-night host to be barred from the film.
Corden has previously starred in an array of musical movie adaptations in recent years, including Rob Marshall’sInto the Woods, Tom Hooper’sCats, Ryan Murphy’sThe Promand Kay Cannon’sCinderella, which was released on Amazon Prime earlier this year.
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Wickeddebuted on Broadway in October 2003 withIdina Menzel,Kristin ChenowethandJoel Greyas the original cast members playing Elphaba, Glinda and the Wizard, respectively.
The original Broadway production won three Tony Awards and six Drama Desk Awards, as well as a Grammy Award.
The film version of the musical wasinitially set for releaseon Dec. 22, 2021, but it was pushed back due to the coronavirus pandemic. In February, director Jon M. Chuconfirmed he was set to helm the picture.
RELATED VIDEO: Idina Menzel CongratulatesAriana Grande, Cynthia Erivo on Wicked Casting News: ‘So Much Love’
Last week, Chu, 42, announced the news on Instagram thatAriana GrandeandCynthia Erivoare set tostar in the film adaptation of the Broadway musicalas Glinda and Elphaba, respectively.
“These two witches!!” Chuwrote alongside photosof Grande, 28, and Erivo, 34, finding out they’d been cast. “The emotional moment I got to tell @cynthiaerivo and @arianagrande that they were our Elphaba and Galinda in the @WickedMovie for @unistudios 😭😭😭wait until you see what they bring!! It is other worldly. Ahhhhh!!!”
In a post of her own, Erivoshared a photoof a pink and green floral arrangement that Grande had sent her with a note that read: “Dear Cynthia, honored doesn’t even begin to cover it. I cannot wait to hug you. See you in Oz.”
Grandealso received flowersfrom her costar in Glinda and Elphaba’s signature colors and a note that began with “pink goes good with green.”
“Congratulations Miss A, the part was made for you,” Erivo then wrote. “I look forward to sharing this musical journey with you.”
source: people.com
