Director Jon M. Chu Reflects on “Wicked: For Good”
Jon M. Chu, the director of the upcoming two-part film adaptation of the Broadway musical “Wicked,” shared some insights about his experience. Speaking after “Wicked Night” on “Dancing with the Stars,” he described the set as feeling almost like a playground. “It felt like a kindergarten set the whole time,” he told The Post.
His excitement was palpable as he spoke about the chemistry among the cast. “Everyone was playful. I mean, Johnny and Ariana, it’s just crazy how well they fit together,” he said, along with Bowen Yang and Cynthia Erivo. Yet, Chu sometimes felt like he was more of a teacher than a director.
“The spirit of the movie had to be fun,” he noted. “They needed to trust me, especially in the editing room, but we had a great time experimenting.” Stars Ariana Grande, 32, and Cynthia Erivo, 38, play Glinda and Elphaba, while Jonathan Bailey, 37, plays Prince Fiyero, and Jeff Goldblum portrays the Wizard.
Chu pointed out that while everyone was nervous about stepping into such a beloved story, they found joy in the process. “Rehearsing with them was exhilarating,” he said. “The groundwork is so important; we often sat on the floor of my office, discussing lines and trying different interpretations.” It helped them delve deeper into the world of Oz.
After “Wicked” hits theaters in November 2024, it is expected to become a cultural sensation. There have already been singalongs among fans during screenings, and Grande and Erivo’s connection during the press tour caught attention.
Interestingly, Chu didn’t foresee the film becoming such a landmark. “I never thought I’d be celebrating ‘Wicked Night’ on ‘Dancing with the Stars.’ It’s surreal. I knew there was a love for ‘Wicked,’ but seeing the connection between Elphaba and Glinda played by Ariana and Cynthia was amazing,” he said.
He expressed a desire for future generations, including his own kids, to embrace the magic of Oz. “’The Wizard of Oz’ is classic, and ‘Wicked’ has been around for two decades now. That has been the best period of my career; my kids are now excited about what I do,” he added.
Chu, who has five children, mentioned his daughters and sons and joked about being a dad who’s “cool for now.” He revealed that “Wicked: For Good” will be released on November 22.
Reflecting on his journey, he remarked, “We filmed it alongside the first movie. It felt like I spent a lifetime with Elphaba and Glinda.” He anticipates that audiences will appreciate the deeper themes of “Wicked.” “I don’t want this chapter to close,” he confessed, sharing that he’s still processing the editing process, which wrapped up just weeks ago.
In between promoting the film and spending time with his kids, Chu is optimistic. “Talking about the film with them allows us to create memories, making this experience even more meaningful,” he concluded.
