Universal Will Develop ‘Death Becomes Her’ Musical For Kristin Chenoweth

Universal’s legit arm, Universal Theatrical Group, is partnering with Kristin Chenoweth (Wicked, Glee) to develop a Broadway musical based on Death Becomes Her, the 1992 Robert Zemeckis film satire that starred Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn and Bruce Willis. Chenoweth would play the Streep role, Madeline, a stage actress whose craving for eternal youth goes bizarrely awry. The film was scripted by Martin Donovan & David Koepp.

The announcement comes from Jimmy Horowitz, President, Universal Pictures and Chris Herzberger, Vice President, UTG. No other information is on offer and a spokesman for the project says it’s in its initial stages, with creative team and other particulars to follow.

UTG has had a global hit with Wicked, in which Chenoweth co-starred with Idina Menzel in the Wizard of Oz prequel. It’s also developed stage productions of Billy Elliot, Bring It On: The Musical and Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn. UTG most recently acquired rights to develop a stage musical based on the life story and music of the Bee Gees.

Chenoweth is represented by ICM Partners, and Schreck Rose Dapello Adams Berlin and Dunham.