In a revelation that has sent ripples through Hollywood, legendary director James Cameron recently revealed that he almost helmed the movie adaptation of the Broadway sensation Wicked. With Jon M. Chu’s Wicked: For Good currently defying gravity at the box office, it’s a fascinating “what if” to consider how the visionary behind Titanic and Avatar would have brought the land of Oz to the big screen.
Caption: James Cameron, the legendary director behind Titanic and Avatar, revealed he almost directed Wicked 15 years ago
Credit: Getty Images
The King of the World Meets the Wicked Witch of the West
Speaking on The Town with Matt Belloni podcast, Cameron confirmed that he met with Universal Pictures about 15 years ago to discuss his vision for a Wicked movie. This would have been shortly after the release of his groundbreaking film Avatar, a time when he was solidifying his reputation as a master of cinematic world-building. “I almost made Wicked back when,” Cameron explained. “I really love the story. I mean, The Wizard of Oz is one of my favorite movies.”
This deep appreciation for the 1939 classic is evident in his own work. The influence of The Wizard of Oz can be seen in Avatar, from the famous line “you’re not in Kansas anymore” to the broader theme of a protagonist being transported to a vibrant, fantastical new world. However, despite his passion for the source material, Cameron ultimately passed on the project. The reason? He “couldn’t find the song.” While he didn’t elaborate further, it suggests that the musical elements of the story may have been a creative hurdle he wasn’t prepared to tackle at the time. When asked if he might direct a musical in the future, Cameron remained noncommittal, simply reiterating that his favorite movie is, in fact, a musical.
A Different Kind of Emerald City: What Would a Cameron-Directed Wicked Look Like?
One can only imagine what a James Cameron-directed Wicked would have looked like. Known for his grand-scale productions and pioneering use of visual effects, his version of Oz would have likely been a breathtaking spectacle. From the gleaming spires of the Emerald City to the intricate clockwork of the Time Dragon, Cameron’s meticulous attention to detail would have undoubtedly created a visually stunning and immersive world. His penchant for strong female protagonists also makes him an intriguing choice for a story centered on the complex relationship between Elphaba and Glinda.
Cameron is no stranger to major franchises, having been involved in early development for both the X-Men and Spider-Man films. His ability to blend spectacle with emotional depth has been a hallmark of his career, and it’s tantalizing to think about how he would have applied that to the rich narrative of Wicked. Would his version have been darker, more in line with Gregory Maguire’s original novel? Or would he have leaned into the spectacle and romance of the Broadway show? We may never know, but it remains one of Hollywood’s most fascinating alternate realities.
Caption: Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba in Wicked, directed by Jon M. Chu
Credit: Universal Pictures
The Long and Winding Yellow Brick Road to the Big Screen
The journey to bring Wicked to the big screen was a long and arduous one, with many twists and turns along the way. Cameron’s flirtation with the project was just one of many chapters in its lengthy development history. Over the years, a number of high-profile directors were considered for the job, including J.J. Abrams, Rob Marshall, and James Mangold. In 2016, Stephen Daldry was attached to direct, with a planned release in 2019. However, after multiple delays, Daldry departed the project in 2020.
It was in February 2021 that Jon M. Chu, fresh off the success of Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights, was announced as the new director. Chu’s vision for the film ultimately led to the decision to split the story into two parts, a bold move that has paid off handsomely. His experience with both large-scale productions and musical storytelling made him a natural fit for the project, and his passion for the material is evident in every frame of the film.
Wicked’s Box Office Magic and the Future of Movie Musicals
Wicked: For Good has been a massive success at the box office, shattering records and proving that the movie musical is far from dead. The film opened to a staggering $147 million in North America and $223 million globally, making it the biggest opening for a Broadway adaptation of all time. It’s also the second-highest-grossing opening weekend of 2025, a testament to the enduring popularity of the story and the power of a well-executed movie musical.
The success of Wicked: For Good is a major win for Universal Pictures, which took a significant gamble by splitting the story into two films. Both movies needed to be massive hits to justify the expense, and the first installment has certainly delivered. With an “A” CinemaScore and positive word-of-mouth, the film is poised for a long and successful run at the box office, further solidifying its place as a cultural phenomenon. This success could pave the way for more big-budget movie musicals in the future, proving that audiences are still eager to be swept away by the magic of song and dance on the big screen.
While we can only dream of what a James Cameron-directed Wicked might have been, it’s clear that the story of Elphaba and Glinda was always destined for greatness. Jon M. Chu has delivered a film that is both a critical and commercial success, and it’s a thrilling start to what is sure to be an epic two-part cinematic event. As we await the release of the second installment, we can’t help but wonder what other beloved stories are waiting in the wings, ready to be brought to life on the big screen.
For more on the latest in entertainment, check out our review of Vince Gilligan’s new show, Pluribus, and our deep dive into superhero weaknesses. You can also find more information about the Wicked movie on the official website and learn more about James Cameron’s filmography on IMDb.
Resources
- https://deadline.com/2025/11/james-cameron-almost-made-wicked-1236629983/
- https://movieweb.com/james-cameron-favorite-movie-wizard-of-oz-almost-directed-wicked/
- https://variety.com/2025/film/box-office/wicked-for-good-records-opening-weekend-musical-1236590107/
