By Andrew Gans
15 Jul 2008

Marc Platt with Wicked composer Stephen Schwartz.

Marc Platt has extended his contract with Universal Pictures for five years, according to Variety.

Marc Platt Productions currently has several projects of interest to theatre plans in the works, including a film version of the international hit Wicked, a remake of the 1973 Andrew Lloyd Webber-Tim Rice film "Jesus Christ Superstar" and a new motion picture about the life of the late composer George Gershwin.

Universal Pictures production president Donna Langley told the industry paper, "Our goal now is absolutely to make the Wicked film, but much like Judy Craymer wouldn't give up screen rights to Mamma Mia! until the stage show had reached its pinnacle, Marc and Stephen Schwartz are very mindful of the right timing. But we're dying to do it."

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Platt told Variety that he and Wicked co-producer David Stone are currently in "early movie talks" with the studio. Winnie Holzman, who penned the Tony-nominated book for Wicked, will write the film's screenplay. No casting has been mentioned.

Platt is also currently in discussions with several filmmakers for a remake of "Jesus Christ Superstar," the film based on the Lloyd Webber-Rice musical of the same name. Norman Jewison directed the original 1973 rock opera film.

Also on Platt's plate: the Rob Marshall-directed "Nine" for the Weinstein Company and the aforementioned biographical film "Gershwin" penned by Doug Wright. The latter, which Platt will create with Michael Feinstein, revolves around "Gershwin's life during the formative stages of Porgy and Bess," according to Variety.

Platt will be represented on Broadway next season with the revival of Pal Joey at Studio 54 co-starring Christian Hoff, Stockard Channing and Martha Plimpton.