‘Wicked’ Director Confirms Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Claims The Choreography Was Copied From In The Heights

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As a seasoned film enthusiast who’s spent countless hours engrossed in the vibrant world of musicals and dance, I can’t help but feel exhilarated by the playful banter between Jon M. Chu and Lin-Manuel Miranda, two creative powerhouses of our time. Their camaraderie is infectious, and it’s a joy to witness such friendly rivalry that only serves to enrich their work.

It’s not every day we get to see the nail choreography from “One Short Day” in “Wicked” being openly acknowledged as an homage to Miranda’s own creation in “In The Heights.” This is a testament to the interconnectedness of the creative universe, where ideas flow freely and influence each other.

As for the upcoming “Wicked: For Good,” I can hardly contain my anticipation. The prospect of two films to fully explore this captivating story is nothing short of exhilarating. I can’t help but wonder what Easter eggs or homages Chris Scott and Jon M. Chu will sneak into the sequel. Perhaps a nod to “Step Up Two: The Streets” or even “Crazy Rich Asians?” Only time will tell, and I eagerly await those delightful surprises.

On a lighter note, I’d like to think that if Elphaba and Glinda were watching this dance-off, they’d be as amused as we are. After all, wouldn’t it be fitting for them to appreciate the art of friendly competition just as much as we do?

During a chat with Cinema Blend, Wicked director Jon M. Chu playfully addressed questions about the film’s choreography in a light-hearted manner. In an amusing exchange caught on camera, Chu watched a question from friend and collaborator Lin-Manuel Miranda, who teasingly accused him of borrowing moves from In the Heights. Specifically, Miranda pointed out a resemblance between the nail choreography in “One Short Day” and the nail choreography from In the Heights, suggesting that it was suspiciously similar.

I chuckle at Miranda’s video comment, recognizing the scene as a tribute, and I owe that acknowledgment to Chris Scott, who was not only the choreographer for Wicked but also In The Heights. The director explains their penchant for incorporating subtle nods or references from their previous works into new endeavors. You can catch the interview clip right here, as I go on to explain more about this delightful homage.

“Yes, we were aware that there are some fun things that are little winks to ourselves, too.

Of course, it’s all playful, because even the director of Wicked can’t help but grin when Miranda pops up on screen. Their friendship blossomed during their work on 2021’s In The Heights. It’s delightful to witness the camaraderie between these filmmakers as they share news about their upcoming ventures. Miranda is also contributing to Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King, by composing original songs for the movie, which can be found on its soundtrack.

For several weeks now, the stage-to-screen transformation of the musical “Wicked” has been captivating viewers, raking in a remarkable $114 million during its first weekend alone. During a separate conversation, Christopher Scott addressed Miranda’s queries, stating:

In a refreshingly new take, the similarity between Oz and Washington Heights is captivating since both embody an extraordinary quality that we aimed for. We wanted to highlight the beauty in Washington Heights, just as Oz is known for its fantastical elements. Lin, being astute and perceptive, will surely grasp this connection. After all, I was instrumental in creating both worlds, so they share a common essence from me.

Fans Wait Patiently for Wicked Part Two

The sequel of “Wicked”, titled “Wicked: Part 2”, is scheduled for theater release on November 21, 2025. In an April 2022 post, director Chu announced his plan to split the “Wicked” story into two films, citing a need to thoroughly delve into the narratives, character developments, and musical sequences. Given that part one spans over 2 hours and 40 minutes, it’s understandable why dividing the musical into a single movie might have been difficult.

Title of the second movie: Wicked: For Good, named after a famous tune from the second act of the original stage production, continues the story where the first part ended. Filming has already wrapped up as it was shot simultaneously with the first part, and all actors will return to their roles. It’s confirmed that the sequel will feature two brand new original songs. Co-star Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba) shared that she collaborated with composer Stephen Schwartz on writing one of these new tunes.

Fans have noticed that the second act of the original show presents a distinct shift in tone, featuring numerous duets, solos, and ballads more frequently. This change, along with the introduction of new music, sets “Wicked: For Good” apart as a significantly different film compared to Part One, tonally speaking.

Still, the audience can look forward to awe-inspiring scenes and synchronized performances that highlight the amazing choreography. It’s intriguing to wonder which, if any, choreographic elements from their previous works Scott and Chu might incorporate into the upcoming movie. Keep an eye out for possible nods or tributes to their past creations such as Wicked, In The Heights, Step Up Two: The Streets, and even Chu’s Crazy Rich Asians.

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2024-12-31 03:03