Dana Fox

Dana Fox, a screenwriter and showrunner known for hits like The Lost City and Cruella, joins to discuss adapting Wicked and its sequel, Wicked: For Good. She reveals the challenges of turning a beloved stage musical into films, detailing the decision to split the story into two parts. Dana shares the complexities of filming both movies simultaneously and the emotional weight of pivotal songs. The conversation also touches on the contemporary relevance of the story and the personal toll of production, providing a unique glimpse into the Hollywood musical machine.

Winnie Holzman, playwright who co-created the Wicked musical, and Dana Fox, screenwriter of Cruella and co-adapter of Wicked, reflect on shaping Elphaba and Glinda. They discuss adapting the novel into stage and film, how themes of othering and empathy resonate today, choices about Dorothy and visual nods to the original, and the long collaborative process behind the scripts.

Dana Fox, a renowned TV and film writer known for her work on Wicked and Cruella, discusses the importance of high-concept ideas in today's film landscape. She emphasizes the value of a strong premise, encouraging emerging writers to sell their ideas before perfecting the execution. Dana shares insights on structuring stories for emotional impact across two films, and how lessons from musical writing can enhance screenplays. Plus, she reveals her strategies for staying productive and offers practical tips for crafting compelling stories.