Jon M. Chu (Director, Producer, & Screenwriter) on Wicked, Casting Elphaba and Glinda, and Defending Cinema

Jon M. Chu (Director, Producer, & Screenwriter) on Wicked, Casting Elphaba and Glinda, and Defending Cinema

From Don't Kill the Messenger with Movie Strategist Kevin Goetz by Kevin Goetz

December 17, 2025 · 57 min · Season 2025 · Episode 81

About this episode

Jon M. Chu discusses his journey and the making of the film Wicked on its opening day.

Send Kevin a Text Message In this episode of Don't Kill the Messenger, host Kevin Goetz welcomes Jon M. Chu on the opening day of Wicked: For Good, a film that generated exciting audience reactions during test screenings. From his family's Chinese restaurant in Silicon Valley to directing one of the most anticipated musicals in Hollywood history, Jon's journey reveals how generosity, gratitude, and respect for storytelling shape extraordinary movies. The Most Explosive Audience Reaction Ever ...

People in this episode

Host: Kevin Goetz

Guest: Jon M. Chu

Topics covered

  • film direction
  • musicals
  • storytelling
  • audience reactions
  • casting

Keywords

  • Jon M. Chu
  • Wicked
  • film direction
  • casting
  • audience reactions

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Wicked

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