Is the 2024 box office ready for “Wicked“?  Universal Pictures certainly is. The studio may have three films currently in the year’s top 10-grossing films, but the worldwide revenue of “Despicable Me 4” didn’t quite beat the numbers “Oppenheimer” had last year (and didn’t even sniff those of “The Super Mario Bros. Movie“). But the first of two movies based on a wildly popular Broadway musical based on one of the most famous films of all time?

Continue reading New ‘Wicked Part One’ Trailer: Universal’s Two-Part Musical Fantasy Goes For Box Office Gold On November 22 at The Playlist.

The Britney Spears story is coming to the big screen. Deadline reports that Universal won the rights to adapt the pop singer’s 2022 #1 New York Times bestseller “The Woman In Me.”  And the studio hired a solid choice to direct it: “Wicked” filmmaker Jon M. Chu, who’s no stranger to working in the pop music vernacular.  Other films by by the director include “In The Heights,” “Justin Bieber: Never Say Never,” and “Step Up 2: The Streets.”

READ MORE: ‘Wicked’ Trailer: Cynthia Eviro & Ariana Grande Lead Jon M.

Continue reading ‘The Woman In Me’: Universal Wins Bid To Adapt Britney Spears Book, ‘Wicked’ Director Jon M. Chu To Direct at The Playlist.

“The Wizard of Oz” is often cited as one of the greatest films of all time. And though we tend to poopoo any talk of prequels and sequels to treasured classics, there’s no denying everyone’s excitement for “Wicked.” The two-part film debuts its first half later this year and is expected to have the potential of being a major blockbuster.

READ MORE: Summer Movie Preview: 50 Must-See Films To Watch

As seen in the trailer for “Wicked,” the film is based on the acclaimed Broadway musical and tells the story of Glinda and Elphaba, two budding witches as they go to the Shiz University to help grow their craft.

Continue reading ‘Wicked’ Trailer: Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande Lead Jon M. Chu’s Adaptation Of The Broadway Musical at The Playlist.

Intellectual property and franchising always mean trying to use some popular I.P. and spinning it however possible. And lord knows they’ve tried all kinds of riffs on “The Wizard Of Oz.” But the most recent and popular has been Winnie Holzman and Stephen Schwartz’s stage musical “Wicked,” which itself is based on the 1995 novel “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West” by Gregory Maguire  (and yes, that’s based on the original “Wizard Of Oz” book).

Continue reading ‘Wicked: Part One’ Trailer: Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande Star In This Musical Fantasy Arriving In November at The Playlist.

As studios have strip-mined comic books and the superhero genre to death, different types of content like video game IP and more traditional toy brands are becoming more and more critical to their longevity. Classic toy adaptations have always been on the table: the “Transformers” franchise continuing to churn, a live-action “Barbie” movie at Warners is on the way, and a new “Masters of The Universe” film at Netflix is about to shoot later this year.

Continue reading ‘Play-Doh’ Animated Movie To Be Penned By Emily V. Gordon & Jon M. Chu Eyed To Direct at The Playlist.

For a period of Hollywood history where box office success is a complicated equation thanks to streaming and PVOD options, it’s somewhat disheartening how Jon M. Chu’s “In The Heights” has seemingly fallen out of Oscar contention. With vaccines driving down COVID cases and a “party like it’s the 1920s” atmosphere expected for the summer of 2021, “Heights” was positioned as a crowd pleasing movie that could help drive audiences back to theaters.

Continue reading Jon M. Chu On The Legacy Of ‘In The Heights’ & A ‘Wicked’ Update [Interview] at The Playlist.

In a Twitter post last night, Lin-Manuel Miranda, creator, and writer of the Broadway musical “In The Heights,”  on which the Jon M. Chu-directed film of the same name is based, posted an apology in response to discussions of the film’s colorism from audiences and critics. 

READ MORE: ‘In The Heights’ Is A Joyous Celebration Of The Latinx Diaspora [Review]

“I started writing In The Heights because I didn’t feel seen.

Continue reading Lin-Manuel Miranda Apologizes For ‘In The Heights’ Lack Of Representation at The Playlist.

The buzz around “In The Heights” has been building for a year. Warner Bros.’ crowd-pleasing movie musical that helped Jon M. Chu land the coveted gig directing the long-awaited film adaptation of “Wicked.” Through all the murmurs of how impressive “Heights” is, and trust, it’s likely your first Best Picture nominee of 2022, there was still one surprise, the star-making turn of Anthony Ramos.

READ MORE: “In The Heights” Is A Joyous Celebration Of The Latinx Diaspora [Review]

Granted, anyone who saw the original stage production of another Lin-Manuel Miranda production, “Hamilton,” or his supporting turn in “A Star is Born” knew he had talent, but “In The Heights” is the sort of performance that comes along once in a blue moon.

Continue reading Jon M. Chu On Putting ‘In The Heights’ Through The Filter Of Anthony Ramos [Interview] at The Playlist.

There’s an uncontainable joy that’s threatening to burst out of most Latinxs when they hear someone shout ¿bendición? in a movie. Even more so when it happens in a movie like “In the Heights,” one of the biggest Hollywood productions in recent years to feature Latinxs front and center in a refreshing way. The truth is, not all Latinxs can sing or dance like the characters in Jon M.

Continue reading ‘In The Heights’ Is A Joyous Celebration Of The Latinx Diaspora [Review] at The Playlist.

Thanks to his Broadway sensation “Hamilton,” Lin-Manuel Miranda is a superstar. The play won eleven Tonys, including Best Musical, and the Pulitzer Prize For Drama in 2016. On top of his own three Tonys, three Grammys, one Emmy, and one Oscar nomination, Miranda is not only decorated but now can do whatever creative project he wants for the rest of his life.  

READ MORE: ‘In The Heights’ Trailer: Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Broadway Hit Gets The Hollywood Treatment

One arena Miranda still hasn’t yet tackled is the movie screen; that is, until now (a live stage recording of “Hamilton,” released exclusively on Disney+ last July, doesn’t count).

Continue reading ‘In The Heights’ Trailer: Lin-Manuel Miranda’s First Broadway Hits Theaters & HBO Max In June at The Playlist.

One of the vast numbers of major projects Disney is working on for its streaming service, Disney+, is the long-awaited sequel series to the fantasy film, “Willow.” And fans of the film were especially excited by the announcement that filmmaker Jon M. Chu would helm a portion of the new series. Unfortunately, it appears plans are changing, as Chu has to depart the series.

Continue reading Jon M. Chu Leaves ‘Willow’ TV Series Due To Scheduling Issues at The Playlist.

The moment Disney started making live-action remakes of its classic animated movies, it instantly became inevitable that they would one day remake “Lilo & Stitch.” We knew we would one day have to witness the horror of a photorealistic Stitch interacting with actual humans, and it seems like not even a pandemic could stop the house of mouse. Turns out, not only is the “Lilo & Stitch” remake very much alive and in development, but Jon M.

Continue reading Live-Action ‘Lilo & Stitch’ Movie Still A Thing, Finds Its Director In Jon M. Chu at The Playlist.

We’ve been talking about a new “Willow” project for over two years now. What started as talk about a sequel film morphed into discussions about a TV series, but time after time, there was nothing confirmed. It was mainly just Ron Howard wishing it into existence. Well, it appears that Disney is ready to get the ball going officially, and the studio knows the filmmaker that will expand the fantasy universe of the 1988 film.

Continue reading Jon M. Chu To Direct Disney+ ‘Willow’ Series Written By Jonathan Kasdan at The Playlist.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences started off the month by inviting 842 new members into the mix. Assuming they all agree to join, which is never the case, this swells the membership to almost 9,000 members. This year’s class also helps AMPAS come closer to many of the diversity goals it has strived for since the #OscarsSoWhite controversy in 2016.

READ MORE: Timothee Chalamet, Tiffany Haddish among massive new 928 member Academy class 

According to the Academy, 50% of the new members are women and push the overall percentage from 25 to 32%.

Continue reading Adele, Lady Gaga, Sterling K. Brown & 839 More Invited To Join The Academy at The Playlist.

It may be pouring in Los Angeles this morning, but it was a glorious day for many of the actors, writers and directors who were nominated for 2019 Golden Globes. Here’s a rundown of their reactions.

READ MORE: 2019 Golden Globes Nominations – Full List

“I am overwhelmed. Thank you so much to the Hollywood Foreign Press Association for the acknowledgments. I am blessed to have been involved in these two amazing productions this year and am grateful to everyone who has contributed for their hard work and dedication.”
– Amy Adams, “Vice,” “Sharp Objects,” Best Actress in a Supporting Role, Best Actress in a Limited Series or a Motion Picture Made for Television

“I am so grateful to be nominated for such an untraditional female character.

Continue reading Golden Globes Noms Reactions: Bradley Cooper, Lady Gaga, Amy Adams, Regina King & More at The Playlist.

It appears that the impressive opening weekend has Warner Bros. becoming a bit bullish on the “Crazy Rich Asians” franchise, as the studio has already begun development on the intended sequel, with the entire cast and crew, including director Jon M. Chu, returning.

THR is reporting that due to the $26.5 million opening weekend ($35 million five-day opening), which is the best rom-com opening in years, WB is ready to go all-in with the sequel “China Rich Girlfriend.” The second book in the ‘CRA’ trilogy, from author Kevin Kwan, sees a continuation of the main story between Nick and Rachel, as they attempt to find her absent father.

Continue reading Warner Bros. Begins Development On ‘Crazy Rich Asians 2’ With Director Jon M. Chu Returning at The Playlist.

It has little to do with the films themselves, and I’m loathed to start a review about outside forces that don’t have anything to do with the quality of a movie, but there’s an anxiety that comes with the era of representational cinema. It goes a little something like this: it’s about time this [insert invisible or underrepresented culture and community] received their due and own movie and I really want this movie to win.

Continue reading Crazy Rich Asians Is A Formulaic, But Delightful, Representational Cinderella-ish Fairy Tale [Review] at The Playlist.

It’s been a long time since so many eyes have been on a rom-com before its release. But in the case of the upcoming “Crazy Rich Asians,” everyone is curious how well the film will do at the box office when its released in a couple weeks. Largely, the anticipation comes from the fact that this is the first major studio film to feature an all-Asian cast, and like this year’s “Black Panther,” the folks involved in the production are hoping “Crazy Rich Asians” can prove once again that diversity in Hollywood can pay off.

Continue reading ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ Filmmakers Turned Down “Gigantic” Netflix Payday For A Theatrical Release at The Playlist.

Considering the current political climate in the country and Hollywood, it is time to have equal artistic representation that matches the strong, diverse voices that are heard in today’s ever-growing culture. Jon M. Chu’s new comedy “Crazy Rich Asians” fits the bill and allows a truthful depiction of a diverse perspective, as seen in the new trailer.

READ MORE: The 100 Most Anticipated Films Of 2018 

Featuring an all-Asian cast, “Crazy Rich Asians” tells the story of Rachel Chu (played by Constance Wu – of “Fresh of the Boat” fame) as she travels to Singapore for a friend’s wedding.

Continue reading ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ Trailer Promises Family, Food, Style, Parties, Love at The Playlist.

Watch: First Trailer For 'Now You See Me 2' With Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Mark Ruffalo, Daniel Radcliffe & More

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First Look: The Girls Rock Out In First Official Photo Of Jon M. Chu’s ‘Jem & The Holograms’

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Directors: Brad Anderson, Patty Jenkins & Jon M. Chu Gear Up New Projects

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Watch: Trailer For Series 'We The Economy' Featuring Shorts From Morgan Spurlock, Ramin Bahrani, Adam McKay & More

Continue reading Watch: Trailer For Series ‘We The Economy’ Featuring Shorts From Morgan Spurlock, Ramin Bahrani, Adam McKay & More at The Playlist.

Continue reading Jon M. Chu Reportedly Frontrunner To Direct ‘Now You See Me 2’ at The Playlist.