Jon M. Chu prepares for Wicked film release by watching bootleg recordings
Director Jon M. Chu has long dreamed of adapting the musical Wicked into a film. After seeing the show in 2003, he pursued the project for years. The film will be released in theaters this Friday, with a sequel planned for 2025. To prepare, Chu watched bootleg recordings of the stage show on YouTube, as no official film exists. He collaborated closely with the musical's original creators to ensure the film stays true to the source material while also allowing for new interpretations. Wicked stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. Chu emphasized the importance of capturing the essence of the musical while making creative choices for the film adaptation.