George Lucas Called ‘Wicked’ Director Jon M. Chu From the Mall Right After Seeing the Film to Share Praise: ‘I Know How Hard It Is to Pull It All Together’
“Wicked” director Jon M. Chu recently told CBS Mornings that none other than “Star Wars” director George Lucas cold called him to rave about the blockbuster movie musical. Since debuting in theaters just ahead of Thanksgiving, “Wicked” has earned $571 million and counting at the worldwide box office. Lucas is a big fan.
“He was still at the mall where he’d just seen the movie. He couldn’t have been more kind,” Chu said. “He’s like, ‘I see all the elements in that movie. I know how hard it is to pull it all together.'”
More from Variety
Chu added, “It’s so nice when you see leaders like that, creative leaders who actually reach out. I didn’t know that happened and are just so kind and say we’re doing this together.”
In addition to being a box office hit, “Wicked” is also a critical favorite and widely expected to land an Oscar nomination for best picture in the new year. The National Board of Review recently named “Wicked” the best film of the year and awarded Chu its best director prize. The film and its stars, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, all earned Golden Globe nominations.
Lucas is not the only one raving about “Wicked.” Just before the movie opened in theaters, the daughter of original “Wizard of Oz” star Judy Garland sent Erivo and Grande a note praising the musical.
“This movie is astounding! It’s epic, brilliant, touching and honest,” Lorna Luft wrote. “It is breathtaking to look at … the sets, costumes, makeup, performances, choreography and the entire scope of the movie, is everything I wanted it to be. I told the genius director Jon M. Chu that he had picked up the torch, the broom and the wand, and carried it forward; and thanked him, for adding to the family.”
“Wicked” is the film adaptation of the Broadway musical of the same name, which has been running since 2003. The story centers on the friendship that blossoms between the popular Glinda and the outsider Elphaba. The film’s supporting cast includes Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, Bowen Yang and Jeff Goldblum.
Best of Variety
Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Solve the daily Crossword
