After less than 10 days in theaters, the film “Bad” earned over $360 million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing Broadway musical adaptation of all time.
Director Jon M. Chu said it was necessary to make “Wicked” now — “that it spoke with a new voice of a new generation.”
Before casting Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba And Ariana Grande as GlindaChu said he originally planned to find new faces for the film in his largest casting call yet.
“I didn’t believe there was any way Ariana Grande could commit to a role like this, like when Ari walked in. I knew she was funny. I knew she had great pipes, but when she walked in, she became Glinda.” he said. “When those two come in… the moment you look into their eyes, there’s no denying it, they just took on those roles.”
Chu called it a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” to visit Oz, a classic place from many people’s childhoods.
“We built Munchkinland out of mud and thatched roofs,” he said. “The train is real, a 60-ton train on moving tracks.”
Chu, who also directed the hit films “Crazy Rich Asians” and “In the Heights,” said he is grateful for the response and support he has received, including from filmmaker George Lucas. He said he did not know Lucas personally, who called him while he was still at the mall after seeing the movie.
“It’s so nice when you see leaders like that, creative leaders who actually reach out, I didn’t know that was happening and are just so nice and say we’re in this together,” Chu said.
In addition to Hollywood’s support, he’s happy to see how moviegoers have connected with the film.
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“These are the conversations I had with Cynthia and Ari all the time. I mean, I went to the studio and showed my pass and they were like, ‘Oh no, deliveries are included,'” he said. “It makes us feel part of something. I think we all feel a little bit outside the norm. So what Cynthia brings connects us to that feeling, where we can actually rise above. That’s pretty powerful.”
Part two of “Wicked” will be released late next year.
“Making choices takes a lot of courage. Why defend a house that doesn’t want you to stick with those choices? These are the questions we’ll explore in film two,” Chu said.
