Wicked Director Jon M. Chu Shows Off Lofty Practical Designs in BTS Video

Wicked Director Jon M. Chu Shows Off Lofty Practical Designs in BTS Video

As a long-time fan of the beloved “Wizard of Oz” tale, I cannot express my excitement enough for director Jon M. Chu‘s upcoming adaptation of “Wicked.” Having grown up with the classic story and later falling in love with the Broadway production, it’s truly a dream come true to see the magical land of Oz being brought to life in such an immersive way.


1. “Just like there’s no place quite as comforting as home, director Jon M. Chu is elevating that classic ‘There’s no place like home’ quote from The Wizard of Oz with the ingenious application of practical effects in this upcoming Thanksgiving film.”

While creating the making-of video “Building the World of Wicked” (available on Wicked’s official X page), Chu mentioned during filming.

To truly experience the magic of Oz, we aimed to create an immersive environment.

Chu continued:

1. “Great news! The heavy train, weighing 16 tons and typically taking two days to travel, has arrived now. […] This wasn’t just about the set design. It required special effects… it needed visual effects.

Erivo, who portrays Elphaba in Wicked, said in the same BTS video:

1. To fully grasp every aspect… each piece contributes to what you can envision. It’s marvelous to have the ability to explore the vastness of space. (Or)

In her comments about the movie, Grande mentioned that a significant part of the film’s magic comes from actual, touchable sets, which they use to construct the world in a unique and unprecedented manner.

Jon M. Chu Details ‘Intimate’ Nature of Wicked, Praises Ariana Grande

Wicked Director Jon M. Chu Shows Off Lofty Practical Designs in BTS VideoWicked Director Jon M. Chu Shows Off Lofty Practical Designs in BTS VideoWicked Director Jon M. Chu Shows Off Lofty Practical Designs in BTS Video

Instead of entering “Wicked” with the expectation of seeing pop star Ariana Grande, who is dividing the show into two movies, fans should imagine her deeply involved in the magical land of Oz. A sneak peek at the set design’s remarkable practicality was already provided by Chu in a behind-the-scenes video.

Two Tony Awards for the Broadway play’s scenic and costume designs are worth mentioning. This is quite an achievement, and director Jon M. Chu acknowledges the significance of this legacy. However, he also emphasizes that his take on “Wicked” offers a more intimate experience compared to the original stage production. According to Chu’s interview with PEOPLE, he highlights this aspect of their production.

“We delved deeply into their stories. Elphaba (Erivo) and Glinda (Grande) both have their wounds, and through this medium, we discovered layers that went beyond the well-known songs. Due to the use of a camera instead of a stage production, we were granted the opportunity for a closer and more intimate exploration.”

Chu continues:

“We position the camera very close to their faces for a detailed examination, enabling us to detect deceit or self-deception. This advantage is unattainable in live performances where performers face an audience.”

Following the release of the official trailer for Wicked, numerous fans expressed that Ariana Grande seemed perfectly suited for her role. Additionally, director Chu praises Grande’s portrayal of Glinda the Good Witch, stating that she brings the character to life gracefully. In an interview, Chu further shared his appreciation for Grande’s performance on the big screen.

I’ve had the pleasure of working with some truly exceptional individuals in my career, but none quite like her. Her level of preparation and dedication always leaves me in awe. When she sent me that Google Doc filled with thoughtful questions, it felt like a breath of fresh air. It brought back memories of late-night study sessions during college, the feeling of being fully prepared for an exam, and the satisfaction of knowing you’ve done your best.

As a gamer, I’m thrilled to share that this year’s Turkey Day is going to be extraordinary! I’ve been eagerly waiting for the releases of “Wicked” and “Gladiator II,” and I can’t believe they’re coming out on the same day – November 22. These highly anticipated projects are sure to offer moviegoers an unforgettable holiday experience filled with epic adventures!

Wicked Part Two
will open a year later on
November 26, 2025.

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2024-07-30 01:04