Jon M. Chu (Director, Producer) on Wicked, Casting Elphaba and Glinda, and Defending Cinema

Jon M. Chu's Filmmaking Journey

• 💡 Jon M. Chu grew up in Silicon Valley, where his family's Chinese restaurant, Chef Chu's, served as a "house of stories" and a community hub.
• 🚀 His early access to digital video tools and the generosity of Silicon Valley engineers significantly shaped his path into filmmaking.
• 🎬 A musical short film, "When the Kids Are Away," captured the attention of Steven Spielberg, leading to a pivotal meeting at DreamWorks and a memorable costume-filled pitch.
• 🧠 Chu's initial studio project, "Moxy," ultimately did not get made, highlighting the challenges of navigating the film industry.

The Making of Wicked

• 🎯 Jon M. Chu initially hesitated to direct Wicked due to its long history of failed adaptations and the perceived decline of movie musicals.
• ✅ He was ultimately convinced by Elphaba's powerful lyrics, "something has changed within me," which resonated with his personal desire to tell stories about outsiders and the American dream.
• 📈 Early test screenings of Wicked generated an explosive and unprecedented audience reaction, leading host Kevin Goetz to predict its massive success.

Casting Elphaba and Glinda

• 🔑 The core principle for casting Wicked was "It's about the girls, stupid," emphasizing the critical importance of the lead actresses' chemistry and performances.
• 🌟 Cynthia Erivo brought profound vulnerability and dignity to Elphaba, challenging traditional portrayals and infusing the character with a unique perspective as a person of color.
• ✨ Ariana Grande impressed Chu with her deep understanding of Glinda, her comedic timing, and her consistent improvement through multiple auditions, despite initial concerns about her star status.
• 💖 The staggering chemistry between Erivo and Grande, though they never had a joint chemistry read, was a fortunate outcome that elevated the film's emotional core.

The Power of Storytelling and Family

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Chu's family is central to his life, with three of his five children born during the production of Wicked, profoundly influencing his storytelling and worldview.
• 👏 He attributes his success to the generosity of many people and a deep sense of gratitude, inspiring him to support aspiring filmmakers.
• 📚 His parents' love for American media, including shows like "Hart to Hart," influenced his and his sister's names, underscoring the impact of stories on their lives.

Defending the Cinematic Experience

• 🎥 Jon M. Chu passionately advocates for movie theaters as a sacred space for collective storytelling, distinct from home viewing.
• 🌍 He believes cinema offers a unique opportunity for audiences to live through someone else's eyes for two hours, fostering empathy and cultural understanding.
• 🚫 Movie theaters provide a space free from algorithms, allowing for genuine connection and challenging societal norms through shared experiences.