After adapting Lin Manuel-Miranda’s In The Heights for Warner Bros., Jon M. Chu has his sights set on adapting one of Broadway’s biggest hits. Sources tell Deadline Chu will direct Universal Pictures’ Wicked, the feature-film adaptation of the record-breaking musical phenomenon, which is in its seventeenth smash-hit year on Broadway.
The three-time Tony Award-winning stage musical was adapted from Gregory Maguire’s bestselling novel by book writer Winnie Holzman and composer/lyricist Stephen Schwartz, who are also collaborating on the screenplay adaptation. Marc Platt will produce for his Universal-based Marc Platt Productions. Wicked is produced on Broadway by Universal Stage Productions, Platt, the Araca Group, Jon B. Platt and David Stone.
Timing is everything and in this situation it worked out nicely for both parties. Last fall Billy Elliot director Stephen Daldry left the project after the studio was looking to move fast on the long-awaited adaptation. Around the same time, Chu had to part ways with Disney+ new Willow series that he was planning to direct due to issues with COVID-19 that kept pushing production. On top of that Chu expecting a new baby, the director chose to part ways. With Chu’s schedule open and Wicked now looking for a director, the timing worked out for both parties for Chu to come on and take over directing duties.
Reply With Quote
Originally Posted by coolgirl98
I want the sequel NOW.
