Jennifer Hudson as Wicked Movie's Elphaba

[Starship]

Hi guys --

What do you all think about Jennifer Hudson playing Elphaba in the film adaptation? I was watching a video of her singing "I Am Changing" from Dreamgirls and realized that she'd make a wonderful Elphaba. She's in fantastic shape, her voice is absolutely gorgeous, and she definitely has proven to be able to act the heck out of roles.

And for the record, I DID know that a Broadwayworld member made a thread back in '04 dedicated to discussing Jennifer Hudson as Elphaba in the Broadway musical. I'm discussing the movie, not the broadway show.

So, whatcha all thinkin'?

[kurt.perry41]

I've always kind of imagined it as an animated film but I could be ok with Jennifer plus she's got a killer voice I'd have to hear what she did with it.

[beautywickedlover]

She definitely has the pipes for it, plus she can act, so I think she'd be great for the role in the film adaptation.

[broadwaybabywannabe2]

and just how did DIANNA ROSS do in THE WIZ?...not very good...get my point?

[Starship]

No. I don't get your point. At all.

[Playbilly]

It's a racist point. Not clearly made. The thought probably came from the biceps.

[Jon]

Do we know if she can actually act? She won the Oscar for playing "sassy chubby black singer with attitude". Can she play anything other than herself?

[jv92]

Actually, Effie doesn't really require acting. Unless you're talking about acting constipated.

[Starship]

She's not a "sassy chubby black singer with attitude" anymore. She's skinaaay!

[Quiche2]

I always thought that Sutton Foster would make an awesome Elphie.

[beltingbaritone]

My love of Sutton is undying, but I think she'd probably have a bit of trouble with those keys.

[Starship]

Sutton isn't even in the "Elphaba" category in my mind for both the Broadway and movie versions. She just doesn't have the lungs. Sorry, Sutton. Plus, she's not a big enough name for the movie version.

[jv92]

Just not Lea Michele. If Stephen Schwartz thought putting the show up on Broadway was bitchy and political, he hasn't seen nothin' yet.

[Starship]

If Lea Michele gets cast as Elphaba, I will start digging my grave.

[kurt.perry41]

What about Morgan James? I mean not a big name but the title itself is more than enough to have it do well and Morgan, whether you like her or not, you've got to admit she's got some serious pipes!

[Starship]

Morgan James? brb. digging my grave.

[kurt.perry41]

my lord you are eager to die lol

OOOOO What about Lindsay Mendez?

[Reginald Tresilian]

I still want to know what Dianna [sic] Ross in THE WIZ has to do with anything.

[kurt.perry41]

I think the implication was why cast pop stars in movie Musicals, although I'd never compare Hudson and Ross. Hudson has the far superior voice.

[Phyllis Rogers Stone]

The only remotely decent acting she's ever done was in Dreamgirls, so unless Bill Condon is going to direct Wicked (which means all of the songs will take place on the Ozdust ballroom stage) I think she'd be terrible. She's not even believable as herself in those Weight Watchers commercials.

[Jon]

That's because she's still a fat sassy girl on the inside, and can't convincingly play a skinny sweet girl.

[ljay889]

^ Aren't you the misogynist who made absolutely disgusting comments about Cristin Milotti on Tony night?

[Princeton Returns]

Isn't she too old anyway?!

Following Les Miserables I could see Samantha Barks as a strong contender if they make it in the next couple of years

[kurt.perry41]

hmm hadn't thought of that I really like her.

[finebydesign]

Stephen Daldry will likely be directing.

[Starship]

Too old? Stephanie J. Block, Ana Gasteyer?