Director Jon M. Chu is determined to embrace the true essence of musicals with his upcoming film adaptation of the popular Broadway show “Wicked.” Chu, who previously directed “In the Heights,” believes deeply in the power of music as an extension of expression in storytelling. Despite recent trends in Hollywood, Chu is fully committed to delivering a grand, song-and-dance spectacle with “Wicked,” set to release in theaters on Nov. 22. The film, which will be split in two parts, is a major gamble in the current cinematic landscape, but Chu sees it as a unique opportunity to celebrate the beauty of musical storytelling.
Adapted from the book by Gregory Maguire, “Wicked” has been in development for a film adaptation since the Broadway show’s debut in 2003. Over the years, various filmmakers and actors have been attached to the project, but Chu and producer Marc Platt believe it was destiny for Chu to guide the film to fruition. Chu resonates with the themes of taking alternate paths to success highlighted in “Wicked,” and sees parallels between the story and his own immigrant background. With the film, Chu hopes to explore the idea that the traditional path may not always lead to the desired destination, reflecting the changing cultural landscape of society.
The film stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba Thropp, the future Wicked Witch of the West, and Ariana Grande as Galinda, the Good Witch of the South. Chu praises Erivo’s ability to bring vulnerability and raw emotion to her performance, while Grande’s audition process challenged Chu’s initial perceptions of her capabilities as an actress. The chemistry between the two leads will be a crucial element of the film, with the story focusing on Elphaba’s transformation in the first part and Glinda’s transformation in the second. The supporting cast includes Jeff Goldblum, Jonathan Bailey, and Michelle Yeoh, adding depth to the ensemble.
To ensure the film does justice to the iconic story of “Wicked” and the world of “The Wizard of Oz,” Chu spared no expense in creating lavish sets and visually stunning environments. Millions of tulips were grown for the sets, and elaborate structures like the Emerald City train were meticulously crafted to bring the world of Oz to life. Chu’s dedication to detailing every aspect of the film’s production reflects his commitment to honoring the legacy of both “Wicked” and “The Wizard of Oz.” The film’s grandeur is meant to transport audiences to a magical world where music and storytelling intertwine to create a truly immersive cinematic experience.
As the release date for “Wicked” approaches, Chu and his team are optimistic about the film’s potential to captivate audiences and reignite the love for musicals in Hollywood. The two-part structure of the film allows for a deeper exploration of the characters and their transformative journeys, promising a rich narrative that will resonate with fans of the stage musical. With a stellar cast and a director who is passionate about preserving the essence of musical storytelling, “Wicked” is poised to make a lasting impact in the world of cinema. Chu’s vision for the film as a celebration of music and expression sets it apart from other contemporary Hollywood productions, reinforcing the enduring appeal of musicals in the entertainment industry.
