Renowned director Jon M. Chu encountered a scheduling clash with the Los Angeles premiere of his latest musical masterpiece, Wicked.
Prior to the film’s debut on the West Coast, which took place at the esteemed Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Chu delivered a recorded message to the cast, crew and guests present. He explained that he was at the hospital, eagerly anticipating the arrival of his fifth child with his spouse, Kristin Hodge.
In true cinematic style, the director of Crazy Rich Asians started his video by exhibiting hospital monitoring systems, inciting gasps and laughter from the audience.
“I deeply regret not being able to join you,” he expressed. “On November 9th, I was at the hotel just across the street, ready to arrive. My entire family, friends, all our dear ones are there. I’ve been waiting for three years to share our movie with you, but I’ve also been waiting my entire life to welcome our fifth child into the world.”
In a humorous tone, Chu continued, “Naturally, our little girl knows exactly when to make her entrance, so I wish I could be there with you. But here I am.” He then expressed his gratitude towards Universal Pictures, the original Broadway creatives Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman, and producer Marc Platt.
“To all those who have believed in this project from the very outset, even before I was involved, and had faith in me to carry this tradition forward,” Chu stated. “I can’t wait for you to see the movie on the big screen with the immersive sound system.”
He then smoothly transitioned to Platt, who introduced the cast and film: “I made an attempt to create a video to introduce them, but it ended up being quite awkward.” As he signed off, Chu blew a kiss and said, “Love you all.”
In an Instagram Story that Chu posted today, he also touched on his significant life event: “This movie has always had its mysterious movements,” he wrote. “Today is a day I’ve been dreaming about for a long time. Two babies (a movie and a little girl) all at once and I couldn’t be happier. I won’t be able to attend the Wicked Premiere tonight with all of you… there was a last-minute change of plans at about 4am this morning… Instead, my wife and I will be welcoming our 5th child into our family, and no, we will not be naming her Galphaba.”
He continued with his message, “Send all the love to our incredibly talented cast and crew tonight. They deserve it and also send some extra love to my little girl who will be entering our world any moment now. If she can have even a fraction of the courage that my wife, @cynthiaerivo @arianagrande @michelleyeoh_official or @marissa_edob possess, then she too will defy gravity one day.”
In another separate post, Chu shared a picture of the tuxedo he had planned to wear for the night and joked, “Should I keep the suit on for the birth?”
Scheduled for release on November 22 in theaters, the film is an adaptation of the Tony-winning Broadway production, which is based on Gregory Maguire’s bestselling novel. The novel retells the story of The Wizard of Oz from the perspective of the Wicked Witch of the West. The film details the relationship between Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda the Good Witch (Ariana Grande) prior to their eventual destinies.
In a conversation with Deadline before the festivities, stars Erivo and Grande heaped praise on Chu for his directorial abilities: “I believe Jon Chu is one of the most incredibly generous leaders in the entire world. Not only is he a genius, visionary, and director and art enthusiast … but he also sets the most welcoming, safe, gracious space in the world, and I believe that’s why people feel so comfortable to go there with their performances because he makes everyone feel so safe,” Grande said.
You can watch the clip below:
FAQs
Who is Jon M. Chu?
Jon M. Chu is a celebrated director known for his work on films like Crazy Rich Asians and In The Heights. He’s currently directing the film adaptation of the Broadway musical, Wicked.
Why was Chu absent from the premiere of Wicked?
Chu was at the hospital awaiting the birth of his fifth child with his wife Kristin Hodge, which coincided with the premiere of Wicked.
What is the film Wicked about?
Wicked is an adaptation of the Tony-winning Broadway production. It is based on Gregory Maguire’s bestselling novel, which retells the story of The Wizard of Oz from the perspective of the Wicked Witch of the West.
Credit: deadline.com
