For the first time in forever we’re hearing some solid information about the Wicked movie from a close source.

Following up on a report from December, Film Divider spoke to Wicked producer Marc Platt (Into the Woods) this week and confirmed the 2016 release date which first surfaced last month.

When asked if a 2016 release is true, Platt gave a firm response: “Yes.”

But!

“[…] it’s not set in stone,” he said. “The process of developing that movie has begun, we’re working on it, and whether it makes 2016 or not, I’m not so sure.”

Platt also confirmed that Billy Elliot director Stephen Daldry is currently attached to direct the Wicked movie, as was first rumored way back in 2012.

The producer insisted that they are only going to move forward with the movie, which is being penned by Winnie Holzman (“She’s just writing it now,” he says), if they feel confident in the adaptation. “We will make the movie, but like I said, the bar is really high. We’re going to scrutinise our work on the screenplay and our prep on the movie, and when we feel like it’s ready, okay. We’re not going to shoot a release date is what I’m saying. It’s in the works, it’s not in a rush.”

Holzman wrote the book for the Wicked stage musical, so if anyone is capable of writing the film, it should be her.

Despite these remarks that they’re waiting until the script is golden, it seems like someone – whether it’s the studio (Universal) or someone else – is putting pressure on Platt and the crew to get this film out by 2016. Why else would they be aiming for that date unless the script is already complete?

We’ll continue to monitor the situation. In the mean time, we’ll be listening to the Broadway soundtrack for the millionth time.