Lin-Manuel Miranda Asked Director Jon M. Chu to Cast Him as a Munchkin in ‘Wicked’: ‘It Would’ve Been Distracting’

Following their successful collaboration on the 2021 musical film “In The Heights,” Lin-Manuel Miranda and director Jon M. Chu nearly teamed up again for the highly anticipated Broadway adaptation of “Wicked” in 2024.

In a recent interview on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” Miranda shared that he had long been interested in playing a character, specifically a munchkin, who delivers an important line during the opening of “Wicked.

Miranda mentioned that in the initial scene of the play, one munchkin bursts out asking, ‘Is it true you were her friend?’ This question is particularly impactful because, as you might know if you’ve ever watched a live performance of ‘Wicked,’ they can really add some emotional depth when delivering that line.

He added, “That’s where the narrative begins. I said something like, ‘I truly yearned to deliver that particular line, Jon.’ However, I wasn’t chosen for the role.

Miranda openly acknowledged that having him present in Munchkin Land would have been a distraction, and she subsequently commended Kirsty Anne Shaw for her outstanding portrayal in the role.

Miranda commented that the actress in the film who performs that role is excellent. She portrays it sincerely. Instead of what Regina George from ‘Mean Girls’ might say, such as ‘Were you really her friend?’ didn’t fit into the final cut.

The movie ‘Wicked,’ featuring Cynthia Erivo as the Wicked Witch of the West and Ariana Grande as Glinda the Good, has earned a total of 10 nominations at this year’s Academy Awards. It was recognized in categories such as best picture, lead actress, supporting actress, original score, production design, makeup and hairstyling, visual effects, editing, costume design, and sound.

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2025-02-05 07:16