Menzel and Chenoweth 'Too Old' for Film Adaptation of WICKED?

Well, WE don't think so, but others might. According to Attitude Magazine, Universal Pictures is trying to push the film adaptation of Wicked to the big screen "sooner rather than later." The recent movie success of Les Miserables rekindled the company's interest in the project. However, Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth are out of the running for the lead roles.

When asked on Watch What Happens Live if she had been approached about the film, Menzel joked, "Yeah, as the mother of Elphaba." She then explained, "I would die to be in [the film], except I'm afraid Kristin [Chenoweth] and I... they told us we're a little over the age for that." Menzel is now 42 years old and Chenoweth is 45.

Idina then suggested that the film could be done in the style of AVATAR, making their ages moot -- another great idea!

Menzel originated the role of Broadway's Elphaba and Chenoweth originated Glinda. The two had a lasting impact on the show and their characters. Wicked is the untold story of the Witches of Oz. It follows Elphaba and Glinda from their time at school up until Dorothy comes to Oz.

Wicked features music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz (Godspell, Pippin, Academy Award-winner for Pocahantas and The Prince of Egypt) and book by Winnie Holzman ("My So-called Life," "Once And Again" and "thirtysomething"), and is based on the best-selling novel by Gregory Maguire.

Pictured: Idina and Kristin doing their imitation of the Wicked logo back in 2003.