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As the world wakes up to one of the most successful Thanksgivings in history, Jon M. Chu can finally sit back and introspect on what has been a time to remember for him.
After all, it isn’t every day that you get to see the live-action adaptation of a Broadway set the bar thatWickeddid. But it looks like there is a lot more for him to rejoice about, as a legendary director, who has given usStar Wars, has praised the movie.
Wickedhas been a standout performer this year
Wickedhas officially become the highest-grossing Broadway adaptation of all time. And all that in a span of mere days. If this isn’t enough to show how big a success the project was, one can’t tell what would be.
The blockbuster success is in no small part down toAriana GrandeandCynthia Erivo‘s performances. The duo, whose on-screen camaraderie had a lot of weight in the movie’s successful theatrical run, put their best foot forward in their roles.
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As the world applauds their acting nous, there is another man who also deserves a lot of plaudits coming his way. After all, it isn’t easy to adapt a Broadway musical in Hollywood.Jon M. Chudid that with panache. Bringing the world of Oz to life isn’t an easy task.
The director knew the gravity of the task at hand when he set about weaving the story. The first step was casting the right people. And he reveals that he initially had no intention of casting big names like Ariana Grande or Cynthia Erivo in the film. But they made Chu change his mind. He said,
I didn’t believe, like when Ari came in, like no way Ariana Grande could commit herself to a role like this. I knew she was funny. I knew she had great pipes, but when she came in, she became Glinda. When those two walk in… the moment you look in their eyes, there’s no denying it, they just took those roles.(CBS News)
“I didn’t believe it”: Jon M. Chu Made Ariana Grande Audition 3 Times For Wicked Because He Didn’t Think She Had What It Takes to Play Glinda Early On
It was the fact that he got this, and a sleuth of other decisions right, that madethe musical the success it has turned out to be.
Jon M. Chu felt indebted to George Lucas for admiringWicked
While the world is in awe of Jon M. Chu’s work, there is one man whose words have moved the 45-year-old greatly.George Lucasgave more than mere words of encouragement to the team behindWicked.
It turns out that the moment Lucas was out of the hall (but still in the mall), he rang the director up and commended his work. Detailing how it felt, Jon M. Chu said, (via CBS News)
It’s so nice when you see leaders like that, creative leaders who actually reach out. I didn’t know that happened and are just so kind and say we’re doing this together.
While he has been more than indebted to the fans for their response, these words of encouragement from a stalwart in the industry cannot be compared to anything. After all, it isn’t every day that a Hollywood legend showers praise upon you.
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WithWicked 2on the way, theCrazy Rich Asiansdirector is unlikely to step off the peddle.
Smriti Sneh
Articles Published :479
Smriti Sneh is a Content Writer at Fandom Wire specializing in celebrities and everything pop-culture. Being a literature research scholar, she is cashing in on her writing skills by working in the entertainment news sector - studying literary theories by day, and navigating celebrity net worth through the night. Although you may find her writing poems at any and all hours.
