Is the long-anticipated Wicked movie… actually happening? After nearly a decade of discussing, planning, and replanning, it looks like Universal might be closing in on making the feature a reality.

Universal first announced plans to produce a movie based on the successful Broadway musical back in 2012. Since then, the production has been a roller coaster of ups, downs, and delays. Most recently, director Stephen Daldry dropped out of the project in October 2020. (A major blow, since he had been attached since nearly the first rumors of the adaptation.)

With the long-time director gone, it would have been easy to leave Wicked trapped in development purgatory. But it looks like Universal is making serious moves to make the Wicked feature after all: they just added a new director.

Deadline reports Jon M. Chu will direct Wicked. Chu directed the hit rom-com Crazy Rich Asians in 2018. He’s also behind the upcoming adaptation of Lin Manuel-Miranda’s In the Heights. Since Chu recently stepped down from Disney+’s Willow series, his schedule was clear for a new project. It looks like Universal jumped on the chance to work with him again.

Wicked, a three-time Tony Award-winning musical, was itself adapted from the bestselling novel by Gregory Maguire. It tells the story of the witches of Oz before Dorothy dropped in. Winnie Holzman, who adapted the musical, will assist with the film’s screenplay. Original composer-lyricist Stephen Schwartz will also collaborate on the film adaptation.

In its so far 17-year run, over 60 million people watched Wicked worldwide. The musical played in over 100 cities across 16 countries. 

So, are you excited to see Chu direct the Wicked movie? Let us know in the comments.

Meanwhile, check back to THS for more updates.

Source: Deadline