Jon M. Chu Leaves ‘Willow’ Series But Signs On As Director For Film Version Of ‘Wicked’
Jon M Chu is such a go-to director right now that over the past year he’s been attached to several projects! Chu who first rose to prominence as the director of Crazy Rich Asian is also at the helm of Lin Manuel-Miranda’s latest musical adaptation In The Heights. At the end of last year we shared the news that he had also signed on to try his hand at directing the new Willow series for Disney+.
However, it was recently announced the Chu would be stepping down from the Lucasfilm project due to a scheduling conflict.
That being said, it looks like Chu will still get to try his hand at fantasy with the news that he will be taking over filmmaking duties from Stephen Daldry on “Wicked” which is Universal’s big screen adaptation of the long-running Broadway musical.
Daldry departed the project, which has been in the works for over a decade, last October due to scheduling conflicts. It’s still unclear who will star in the film, or when it will be released. “Wicked” was taken off Universal’s film schedule amid the coronavirus pandemic.
View this post on Instagram
Chu took to social media to officially announce the project saying on Instagram, “Most of my life I have felt out of place, weird and different. I hid behind my camera because people liked to be filmed and I could disappear.” The director continued, “But when I saw Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman’s ‘Wicked’ over 15 years ago as it was being workshopped in San Francisco I couldn’t unsee it.” He said in his post, “So to think that I have been invited to bring this timeless story to the biggest screens all around the world for people to experience with their family, best friends and total strangers… of all walks of life, ages, shapes and colors is like I’ve been invited to Oz by the Wizard himself.”
For those unfamiliar, Wicked is a prequel to “The Wizard of Oz” that tells the story of everything that happened BEFORE Dorothy paid her visit. In the original run Idina Menzel (Frozen) and Kristin Chenoweth played best friends turned enemies Elphaba (Wicked Witch) and Glinda (The Good Witch).
We’ll be following this story, and an more updates on Lucasfilm’s Willow series closely. Readers are encouraged to keep following along with us for further news and updates!
Thinking about a visit to Disney? Getting started is easy! Simply fill out our form below to get your FREE, no-obligation quote from MickeyTravels.
Why not consider working with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner? As an agent with MickeyTravels, I can help you get the best discounts for your Disney World vacation package, assist with making dining, and Fastpass reservations and can even help you plan an itinerary filled with extra special seasonal touches. Best of all my services are absolutely FREE! Contact me at 1.800.801.4025 via email at mroden@mickeytravels.com or on Facebook and let’s get planning!
Source: Variety
