Celebrity Extra: Wicked
By Dana Jackson
Q: Why is “Wicked” going to be a two-part film? How long was the Broadway musical? -- E.L.
A: "Wicked" was originally a novel written by Gregory Maguire before it became a Broadway musical. The stage version is about 150 minutes, plus an intermission. Even if the movie translates the musical verbatim, it would still be a long film, but it might not require a second one. The reason that a second film, which will premiere in theaters in November 2025, is needed might be due to the film version including more elements from the book. (Also, it's a great way for the studios to make more money.)
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande star in the upcoming film "Wicked". Photo Credit: Courtesy of Universal Pictures
I personally believe that pro-shot musicals, which are filmed live musicals, are the best way to see a Broadway show on your screen. Disney+ did this with "Hamilton," which allowed millions of people who couldn't see the original cast on Broadway to experience the show.
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Q: I heard that Claire Danes has a new show coming out. What network will it be on, and when does it start? -- K.S.
A: "The Beast in Me" is the title of the upcoming limited series on Netflix -- a mystery thriller starring Claire Danes ("Homeland") and Matthew Rhys ("The Americans"). Danes plays an author who is grieving the loss of her child, when she gets distracted by a mystery surrounding her new neighbor. This neighbor is a real estate mogul who was once suspected of being involved in his wife's disappearance.
The show is from the creative minds of Gabe Rotter ("The X-Files") and Howard Gordon ("Homeland"). It won't be released until sometime in 2025, but it has an impressive cast. In addition to Emmy award winners Danes and Rhys, the cast includes Jonathan Banks ("Breaking Bad"), Will Brill ("Fellow Travelers"), Kate Burton ("Grey's Anatomy"), Bill Irwin ("Legion"), and Julie Ann Emery ("Better Call Saul").
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Q: I haven't seen one of my favorite dancers, Mark Ballas, on "Dancing with the Stars" for a while. Is he taking a break and coming back in the future? -- D.O.
A: Mark Ballas actually returned as a guest judge on ABC's "Dancing with the Stars" for season 33. The three-time Mirrorball champion joined the judges' table alongside former "DWTS" pro Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Bruno Tonioli for just one episode. But he says that he's open to more in the future.
Ballas announced at the end of a "DWTS" live tour in 2023 that it would be his final dance with a "celebrity partner." Therefore, it's doubtful that he'll return to the ABC show as anything other than a judge.
Ballas is the son of two Latin ballroom professionals and teachers. His father, Corky, was a dance pro on "DWTS" for two seasons, having been paired with TV sitcom icons Cloris Leachman in season 7 and Florence Henderson in season 11. Ballas' mother, Shirley, is a judge on "Strictly Come Dancing" in the United Kingdom.
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