Seen on the Screen with Jacqueline Coley
Defying Gravity with WICKED Director Jon M. Chu
October 9, 2024 · 29 min
Why listen
Jon M. Chu explains how a personal bond with a stage musical shaped every creative choice in WICKED.
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In this episode
- Why Chu felt a deep personal connection to the WICKED stage musical
- How he and his collaborators built the film's grand visual spectacle
- The character moments designed to carry the story's emotional weight
- What the creative process looked like working with Erivo and Grande
About this episode
How do you bring a cultural phenomenon like WICKED to the big screen? In this episode, Jacqueline Coley joins director Jon M. Chu in Oz to talk about his work on his generation-defining cinematic event and how his personal connection to the stage musical inspired him to take on the project.We’ll explore Chu’s special connection to WICKED, his creative process, the film’s grand spectacle, and the key character moments that deliver WICKED's narrative and emotional impact. Hear how Chu’s collaboration with stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, along with the film’s talented crew, resulted in show-stopping musical numbers, stunning sets and meticulously crafted details that will enchant audiences worldwide.
About Seen on the Screen with Jacqueline Coley
A podcast series hosted by Jacqueline Coley, Awards Editor at Rotten Tomatoes. Claim your ticket to witness the personal narratives happening behind the scenes of film and entertainment. Each episode invites you into intimate conversations with filmmakers, actors and industry insiders.
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