‘Wicked’ Director Jon M. Chu Says Britney Spears Is “Very Involved” in Her Biopic

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The director Jon M. Chu, known for his work on Wicked, is preparing to delve into the life story of pop sensation Britney Spears for an upcoming biopic. Chu has been connected to this project since August 2024, following Universal’s acquisition of the rights to Spears’ 2023 best-selling autobiography, “The Woman in Me.” In an exclusive reveal, it has been disclosed that Spears herself will play a significant role in the film’s creation. During a recent chat with Entertainment Tonight at the Golden Globe Awards, Chu hinted that Spears will be deeply engaged in the biopic’s production process.

So far, we haven’t begun any projects, but she is expected to play a significant role. I have some concepts, strategies, and plans in mind, but it’s important to note that we are still at the very initial stages.

Although no names have been announced for the movie cast, fans of the Pop Princess are expressing their preferences, ranging from Sydney Sweeney to Sabrina Carpenter, as potential actors for the singer. However, Chu is considering fan suggestions, but the final decision on who plays the role will depend on how the film’s story develops.

In his own words, Chu shared, “I review all fan suggestions, as they might hold some brilliant ideas. However, the suitable actor or actress for a film will depend on its style and direction that we’ll determine later.

From ‘…Baby One More Time’ to the Big Screen

In the 1990s, Spears rose to international fame after the launch of “…Baby One More Time.” With more than 150 million records sold globally, she ranks among the top-selling music artists ever. Over the course of her career, Spears has garnered a devoted fan base, and Chu is one of them. In an interview with Billboard, Chu expressed his admiration for Spears.

Spears achieved global pop stardom in the 1990s following the debut of “…Baby One More Time.” She has since sold over 150 million records worldwide, placing her among the most successful music artists of all time. Throughout her career, Spears has built a dedicated fan base, and Chu is included in this group. In an interview with Billboard, Chu openly declared his affection for Spears.

I’ve been an admirer of Britney since our youth, even when she was just starting out. Back then, she was among the 12 acts performing at the Shrine Auditorium. I’m determined to portray her story accurately. We’re currently working on it, but there’s a lot of ground to cover before we can present it.

In the book titled “The Woman in Me,” Britney Spears shares her transformative journey from a child star in Louisiana to a globally recognized pop sensation. Despite being one of the industry’s most prominent figures, Spears has grappled with high-profile personal issues. The narrative delves into these hardships and her relentless pursuit of liberation from her conservatorship, which was a subject of much controversy. This contentious conservatorship ended in 2021, and two years later, Spears published her memoir. Published by Gallery Books, “The Woman in Me” soared to the top of the New York Times Bestseller list across various formats, including an audiobook narrated by Academy Award-winning actress Michelle Williams. It also dominated Spotify’s audiobook charts and was Simon & Schuster’s best-selling nonfiction hardcover that year.

In theaters now and available for rental or purchase online, Chu’s new movie, “Wicked” starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, is currently playing. The sequel, titled “Wicked: For Good,” is set to hit theaters in November. As for when we can anticipate Chu’s Britney Spears biopic, no release date has been announced yet. In addition to Chu, Marc Platt (of “La La Land” fame) is also involved with the upcoming adaptation.

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2025-01-07 17:03