Broadway superstar Lin-Manuel Miranda's persistent attempts to land a small role in the new "Wicked" movie adaptation were politely turned down by director Jon M. Chu, who felt the Hamilton creator's appearance would pull too much focus from the story.
According to Chu's commentary on the film's digital release, Miranda made "many calls" campaigning to play a specific Munchkinland citizen who asks Glinda (Ariana Grande) about her friendship with Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) early in the film. The role ultimately went to actress Kirsty Anne Shaw.
Miranda's interest in the part dates back to 2016, when he publicly tweeted at then-attached director Stephen Daldry, playfully requesting to play the character who delivers the line "Is it true you were her friend?"
Despite turning down Miranda's request, Chu and the composer maintain a warm relationship, having previously collaborated on the film adaptation of "In the Heights" in 2021. The pair were recently photographed together at the National Board of Review Awards Gala in New York City, where Chu received the best director award for "Wicked."
In related casting insights, Chu revealed that he initially planned to cast unknown actors in the lead roles of Elphaba and Grande. However, after seeing numerous established performers audition, he found that Erivo and Grande were "meant to do this role, for this particular movie at this particular time."
The film adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical "Wicked" is now available for digital purchase and rental.