Wicked fans are petitioning for producers not to cast James Corden in Universal’s film adaptation of the musical.
A petition on Change.org has gained more than 50,000 signatures despite no indication that the comedian is being considered for the role.
Ariana Grande and British Oscar nominee Cynthia Erivo will appear in the movie, which fills in the backstory of The Wizard Of Oz.
However, if fans get their wish Gavin & Stacey creator Corden, 43, will not be joining them.
The actor and TV host, an accomplished stage star who had widely panned roles in film adaptations of Cats and The Prom, is being targeted in the online petition.
“James Corden in no way shape or form should be in or near the production of Wicked the movie. That’s pretty much it,” it states.
By Tuesday the petition, aimed at producers Universal Studios, had attracted more than 53,000 signatures.
Signatories cited reasons for adding their names including “we’ve suffered enough” and “he must be stopped”.
Corden, a US household name thanks to his The Late Late Show, is yet to publicly respond to the petition.
Wicked will be directed by Crazy Rich Asians filmmaker Jon M Chu.
