Jon M. Chu, renowned director of "Crazy Rich Asians," has firmly planted his feet in the realm of musicals with his latest big-screen version of the acclaimed Broadway production, "Wicked." The film, which features an eclectic cast led by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, made its glamorous debut this month in Los Angeles. According to Mercury News, Chu shares his excitement about the project, "It feels like destiny."
With Silicon Valley as his backdrop, Chu grew up amidst the tech boom, which, as he told SFGATE, inspired him to create a better tomorrow through his films rather than technology. This sentiment can be seen woven throughout his project choices, including his latest, "Wicked," which aims to upend preconceived notions of good and evil. "Wicked" Part II is eagerly anticipated for a November 2025 release, but Chu isn't planning to just kick back until then; he's also set to direct a film version of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," work on an animated musical of Dr. Seuss' "Oh, the Places You'll Go!" and develop the "Crazy Rich Asians" musical.
The journey to adapting "Wicked" didn't come without its fair share of challenges. Chu dealt with a halt in production due to a writers' strike, specifically right before filming the pivotal number "Defying Gravity." However, through determination and patience, the team managed to come back together, and as Chu recalls, Erivo delivered an unforgettable performance after sitting with the song for six months. These behind-the-scenes insights illustrate Chu's commitment to getting every detail right and honoring the material that has long influenced him personally.
Fatherhood is another role Chu is passionately juggling along with his directorial duties. His fourth child, Stevie Sky, was born this same month, adding to his already bustling household. According to Mercury News, Chu playfully admitted that sleep has been elusive for years but maintains that his life is full of blessings. His Bay Area roots didn't just provide a technological wonderland but also an environment enriched with creativity and storytelling, which he absorbed while growing up around his parents' Chef Chu's restaurant in Los Altos, a popular spot frequented by the local community.
