Mon Oct 27 00:40:00 UTC 2025: Summary:

Director Jon M. Chu discusses the epic journey of adapting the Broadway musical “Wicked” into two films, treating them as a single, massive cinematic work. He shares the emotional toll of the project, which spanned over five years and included the birth of his fifth child. While “Wicked” (Part One) received 10 Academy Award nominations, Chu was notably absent from the Best Director nominations. He emphasizes the immense pressure he faced from fan expectations and the risks associated with greenlighting a musical during the pandemic. Chu views the project as a bold swing, akin to iconic films like “E.T.” and “Jaws,” and promises that “Wicked: For Good” will be an emotionally powerful culmination of the story.

News Article:

‘Wicked’ Director Jon M. Chu Reflects on 5-Year Journey, Considers Films a Single Epic

HOLLYWOOD – Director Jon M. Chu has opened up about the monumental task of bringing the beloved Broadway musical “Wicked” to the big screen, revealing that he views the two-part film adaptation as one cohesive story. In an upcoming episode of Variety’s Awards Circuit Podcast, Chu discussed the project, which consumed over five years of his life.

“It is one movie to me,” Chu stated, emphasizing that all narrative arcs were conceived as part of a singular, giant work.

The first installment, “Wicked,” released earlier this year, garnered 10 Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture. However, Chu was notably absent from the Best Director category, making him one of only two directors in history whose films have earned 10 nominations without a directing nod.

Chu spoke of the intense pressure surrounding the project, amplified by pre-existing fan expectations and the risky climate for movie musicals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the challenges, he embraced the opportunity to take a “giant swing,” drawing inspiration from classic films like “E.T.” and “Jaws.”

The highly anticipated sequel, “Wicked: For Good,” set to release in November, will complete the story. Chu promises an emotional climax, urging audiences to prepare for a deeper, more mature tone. According to Chu, viewers will not be able to watch the first movie the same way once the sequel is seen.
“When you get to that last song, when they sing ‘For Good,’ it’s going to hit like a freight train. I’ve lived with this story for five years, and I still cry every time.”

Read More