Film version of Wicked targets a 2016 release

Into the Woods producer, Marc Platt, was recently asked about his involvement with a film adaptation of the Broadway smash, Wicked. Platt didn't really give too many details other than the film is currently in the works and that the target release is sometime in 2016.

Wicked is most commonly known as the "untold story of the witches of Oz." The Wicked Witch of the West was known as Elphaba, a student who dreamed of working alongside The Wizard. The musical debuted on Broadway back in 2003 and is still in circulation around the country (it's even going to be in Denver this spring). The original Broadway run served as another stepping stone for Idina Menzel as she played Elphaba alongside Kristin Chenoweth who played her sister, Glinda. Wicked has also won Tony Awards for Best Costume Design and Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical (Idina Menzel).

Universal has been sitting on a film adaptation of this musical for quite sometime and it seems that the studios have been testing the market for these types of films. Les Miserables, starring Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway, was a very big success as it gained both Oscar nominations and wins. Into the Woods has been fairly successful so far and has gained Golden Globe nominations. We have also seen success for films like Pitch Perfect, The Muppets, Rock of Ages, and Annie.
Many have speculated whether Menzel and Chenoweth would be approached to reprise the roles of Elphaba and Glinda, but there have been whispers that they are too old for the roles at this point.

If they don't move quickly a 2016 release is very unlikely, but I would bet that we will see Wicked at least by 2017.