Introduction
In the February 19, 2025 episode of "The Book Review" hosted by Gilbert Cruz, the conversation delves into the intricate process behind adapting the beloved Broadway musical "Wicked" into a highly anticipated film. Gilbert Cruz, the Editor of the New York Times Book Review, engages with Winnie Holtzman, the co-writer of both the original musical and its film adaptation, to explore the challenges, creative decisions, and collaborative efforts that shaped the cinematic rendition of this iconic story.
Background on "Wicked" and Its Origins
Winnie Holtzman provides a comprehensive background on the genesis of "Wicked," tracing its roots back to Gregory Maguire's 1995 novel, which reimagines the classic "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" by L. Frank Baum. She reflects on the profound impact the original 1939 film had on her and co-writer Stephen Schwartz, emphasizing their reverence for the film as a cultural touchstone.
“We revere that movie as a great American piece of art and an emotional tie to our childhoods...”
—Winnie Holtzman [02:57]
The Adaptation Process: From Stage to Screen
The discussion highlights the complexities involved in adapting a dense and episodic novel into a compelling musical, and subsequently, into a feature film. Holtzman recounts her initial encounter with Maguire's book, noting how the cover art—featuring a semi-obscured green-faced girl—captivated her imagination and inspired her vision for the musical.
“I thought it was such a brilliant premise that this is gonna be the Oz story from her point of view.”
—Winnie Holtzman [04:39]
She emphasizes the importance of honoring the original material while infusing it with elements that resonate with contemporary audiences. Holtzman and Schwartz aimed to present the story from the Wicked Witch's perspective, humanizing her character beyond the archetypal evil figure.
“She was a real woman. She had desires. She had a family.”
—Winnie Holtzman [04:49]
Transitioning to Film: Challenges and Creative Decisions
As the conversation shifts to the film adaptation, Holtzman discusses the initial hesitation and the strategic decision to develop "Wicked" into a two-part cinematic experience. This decision was driven by the desire to preserve the narrative's depth and emotional weight without compromising the integrity of the musical's beloved elements.
“We wanted to remind everyone that there's all this story that's going to continue.”
—Winnie Holtzman [21:03]
She elaborates on how the collaborative efforts with director John M. Chu and screenwriter Dana Fox were pivotal in expanding the story's scope, allowing for a more nuanced exploration of character relationships and backstories that were constrained on stage.
Enhancing the Story Through Cinematic Techniques
Holtzman provides specific examples of how the film version of "Wicked" diverges from the musical to leverage the strengths of the cinematic medium. One notable instance is the reimagining of the iconic "Defying Gravity" sequence. In the film, this pivotal moment is extended into a sprawling sequence that encompasses multiple locations and emotional beats, transforming it into a profound cinematic chapter.
“We didn't want to throw out the baby with the bathwater... we didn't want to lose the kernel of what's making it emotional in the first place.”
—Winnie Holtzman [22:44]
Additionally, the film introduces new characters and backstories, such as depicting Glinda's childhood and her relationship with her sister, which adds layers to her character that were not fully explored in the musical.
“We wanted to see her little sister, and we wanted to try to establish that relationship early.”
—Winnie Holtzman [15:38]
Collaborative Efforts and On-Set Experiences
The episode also touches upon the collaborative dynamic between Holtzman, Schwartz, Chu, and Fox. Holtzman shares anecdotes from the production set, including her cameo appearance alongside Schwartz and other key contributors. She describes the camaraderie and creative synergy that fueled the filmmaking process, even amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic.
“We were all shooting the same night. Kristen, Edena, Stephen and I.”
—Winnie Holtzman [26:27]
Despite initial apprehensions about meeting long-time fans and their high expectations, Holtzman underscores the project's success in retaining the emotional essence that made the musical a beloved classic.
Handling Fan Expectations and Creative Integrity
Addressing the inevitable scrutiny from a dedicated fan base, Holtzman candidly discusses the emotional toll and pressure of meeting expectations. She admits to moments of fear and self-doubt but emphasizes the importance of staying true to the story's core themes and trusting the collaborative process.
“In order to do any kind of writing of any kind, and you know this, in order to do anything that you present to people, finally you have to go to a private place and say to yourself, I'm going to do what feels right to me.”
—Winnie Holtzman [18:25]
Holtzman highlights the balance between honoring the original material and allowing creative freedom to expand the narrative for a new medium, ensuring that the film stands as a worthy counterpart to the stage production.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Gilbert Cruz wraps up the insightful conversation by acknowledging the monumental effort behind the film adaptation of "Wicked." Holtzman expresses her satisfaction with the final product, reflecting on the joy of seeing beloved characters and stories reimagined for a broader audience.
“I loved it. And that's one of the best compliments you could ever get.”
—Winnie Holtzman [17:36]
The episode concludes with gratitude extended to Holtzman for her contributions and an affirmation of the enduring legacy of "Wicked" in both theater and film.
This episode of "The Book Review" offers a deep dive into the creative journey of adapting a cherished musical into a cinematic masterpiece, highlighting the collaborative spirit, artistic integrity, and emotional dedication that underpin such a transformative process.