UPDATE: NBC has issued a statement denying that Beyonce is in talks to star in The Wiz. A representative calls the claims made by E! "just not true."
NBC's live production of The Wiz could get a huge star added to the bill. Days after Mary J. Blige and Queen Latifah were confirmed for the cast, today (July 30), rumors hit hard that none other than Beyoncé could be taking on one of the play's big roles.
E! Online reports that the "Feeling Myself" singer is wanted for the role of Glinda the Good Witch, and that NBC had extended her an offer for the role. NBC has not confirmed the rumors that they want Beyoncé for Glinda, however E! cites sources close to the project.
Beyoncé would be in good company as Glinda the Good Witch. Legendary Grammy winner Dee Dee Bridgewater first took on the role in the Broadway production, and Lena Horne tackled the part when The Wiz was turned into a feature film in 1978.
Beyoncé is, of course, no stranger to the world of acting. In addition to taking on different personas in countless music videos, in the early 2000s Beyoncé acted in films such as Carmen: A Hip Hopera, Austin Powers in Goldmember, Obsessed, Dreamgirls and Cadillac Records.
Getting Beyoncé would be a huge win for NBC, which is in its third year for live musical interpretations. After kicking off with Carrie Underwood in The Sound of Music Live! in 2013, the network had a huge ratings dip last year for Allison Williams as the title character in Peter Pan. With the BeyHive in tow, Beyoncé could bring back huge numbers for NBC.
But, even if they don't score Beyoncé, it seems like NBC has a great backup plan in tow. Orange Is the New Black breakout star Uzo Aduba is also in talks to play Glinda.
The Wiz will air on Thursday, Dec. 3.
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