EXCLUSIVE: After Lin Manuel-Miranda’s adaptation In the heights for Warner Bros, Jon M. Chu has set his sights on adapting one of Broadway’s greatest hits. Sources tell Deadline that Chu will lead Universal’s Wicked, the feature film adaptation of the record-breaking musical phenomenon that is having its 17th hit year on Broadway.
The three-time Tony Award-winning stage musical is an adaptation of Gregory Maguire’s bestselling novel by book writer Winnie Holzman and composer-lyricist Stephen Schwartz, who also collaborate 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.
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Timing is everything and in this situation it worked out well for both parties. Last fall, Billy Elliot director Stephen Daldry left the project after the studio set out to move quickly with the highly anticipated adaptation. Around the same time, Chu had to say goodbye to the new Disney + Willow series he wanted to direct due to problems with Covid-19 that continued to boost production. In addition, Chu is expecting a baby. With Chu’s schedule open and Wicked looking for a director, the timing worked for both parties.
With a national tour and multiple international productions, the musical has been seen on stage by more than 60 million people around the world, making it one of the most successful theatrical companies of all time. The winner of more than 100 international awards, including Grammys and three Tony Awards, Wicked has been performed in more than 100 cities in 16 countries around the world (US, Canada, UK, Ireland, Japan, Germany, Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Philippines, Mexico, Brazil, Switzerland and China) and has been translated into six languages: Japanese, German, Dutch, Spanish, Korean and Portuguese.
Senior EVP Production Erik Baiers and Director of Development Lexi Barta will oversee the project on behalf of Universal.
Except customizing In the heights, premiering in theaters and on HBO Max later this year, Chu directed the box office smash Crazy rich Asians for Warner Bros. Chu is represented by UTA, Artists First Inc and Goodman, Genow, Schenkman, Smelkinson & Christopher, LLP.