Culture

James Corden’s Chokehold On The Musical Industry Has Gone Too Far

Over 22,000 people have signed a petition to keep James Corden from ruining 'Wicked'.

by Michelle Rennex  8 November 2021
James Corden Wicked petition

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If James Corden has proven anything it’s that if there’s a musical film, he’s going to be in it.

In the last few years the late-night talk show host has snuck his way into musical films like Into The Woods, Cats, The Prom, and Cinderella, so it’s no surprise that the public is desperate to keep James Corden as far away from Wicked as possible.

You see, over the weekend the leads for Jon. M Chu’s live-action film adaptation of broadway classic Wicked were revealed, with Ariana Grande taking the main role of Glinda and Cynthia Erivo playing the green icon Elphaba. But unfortunately for everyone who enjoys a James Corden-less musical, rumours are swirling that he might play a talking goat in the film — and if his track record of musical roles is anything to go by, that lines up pretty well.

I mean, a science-loving talking goat really does perfectly fit in with his previous musical gigs where he plays an animal like his horrifying human-sized CGI cat in Cats and mouse with a human head in Cinderella (and in busy LA traffic, sadly).

While Corden hasn’t officially been announced as part of the cast yet, Broadway actor JJ Nieman shared the unconfirmed news that Corden would be joining the film as Dr. Dillamond over on TikTok on Saturday.

Naturally, this caused distress to everyone who enjoys not having James Corden and his mediocre singing voice shoved in all our faces whenever we try to enjoy a musical flick. So much distress was caused that someone actually started a petition to keep James Corden as far away from Wicked as possible.

The change.org petition, which was started by Mikel Miller three days ago, has already amassed over 22,500 signatures and has one simple request: “Keep James Corden out of Wicked the movie”.

“James Corden in no way, shape, or form should be in or near the production of Wicked the movie,” the petition description reads. “That’s pretty much it.”

While adding their signatures to the petition, a number of people decided to share their very valid reasons for being so against James Corden’s presence in Wicked based on his track record with his previous musicals.

“We’ve suffered enough,” one person said. “This plague on society has to end,” added another.

“I’m signing because I couldn’t find a petition to deport James Corden out of the USA.”

Sadly, with the musical adaptation slated for release on June 2022, I have a sneaking suspicion that the James Corden casting rumours may be true and it might be too late to change the casting director’s minds.

So, I guess we just need to be happy with the blessings that we do have: The lucky break we had with the Mamma Mia franchise being free from James Corden’s deadly musical touch.