Wicked
Jon M. ChusWickedis already proving to be one of the most important and popular releases of 2024 so far, but its not the first time that the successful director has benefited from a major box office hit.
TheWizard of Ozprequel takes place many years before the original story, following the intersecting lives of two witches, Elphaba and Glinda, as they uncover a sprawling conspiracy in the Emerald City.Wickedseems to be 2024s big commercial hit, with the films success triggering many viewers to return to Chus earlier catalog.
There are countless reasons forWickeds success, ranging from factors as precise as an extensive marketing campaign to simpler reasons like the quality of performances and universality of the storys themes.
Its a narrative that audiences have been attached to ever since the Broadway production started more than 20 years ago, andChus cinematic adaptation captures all the magic of that tale while updating itwith slick visuals and more long-form storytelling.Wickedis positioned to be a strong Oscars contender, which is sure to keep audiences talking about the project - and hopefully spotlighting Chus other films.
Wicked’s Director Jon M. Chu Tackled In The Heights Before
The Filmmaker Is No Stranger To Broadway Musicals
After filmmakerJon M. Chu broke out with his subversive 2018 rom-comCrazy Rich Asians, he became known for his detailed storytelling and elaborate, lavish set pieces that give his films a very unique style.
Its the kind of maximalism that pairs expertly with musical theater, which is why it was no surprise when he was revealed to be directing a Hollywood adaptation of Lin Manuel MirandasIn The Heights.
The musical tells the story of a largely Dominican American community living in Washington Heights, where a local store owner attempts to raise money to return to his home country.
Elphaba has a lot of powers in 2024’s Wicked, but she doesn’t have as many powers as the Wicked Witch of the West from The Wizard of Oz.
In The Heightsis very different fromWickedwith its fast-paced hip-hop musicality, as opposed to the latters more classical, melodramatic style, but it was the perfect opportunity for Chu to get his foot in the door of musical theater on the big screen.
Adapted for the screen from Lin Manuel Miranda’s Broadway musical of the same name, In the Heights stars Anthony Ramos as Usnavi de la Vega, a bodega owner in the New York City neighborhood of Washington Heights on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. Usnavi’s daily life and the lives of the other neighborhood residents are detailed through song, set against the backdrop of a sweltering New York City summer.
It features some ofLin Manuel Mirandas most iconic songs, with Chu helping to get the soundtrack stuck in his audiences minds for weeks on end - just like withWicked.
In The Heights Is Another Great Broadway Musical Adaptation & It Deserves More Love
Lin Manuel Miranda’s Debut Is Filled With Style And Catchy Music
BothWickedandIn The Heightsare phenomenal shows in their own rights, but Jon M. Chu equally deserves credit for translating them so effortlessly into a totally different format.
These arent shows that were conceived for the big screen, butChus movies do a great job of lengthening these narratives in part, developing immense musical numbers that come to life with bold colors and strong performances, and making the characters feel much more real and authentic.
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Cast
Adapted for the screen from Lin Manuel Miranda’s Broadway musical of the same name, In the Heights stars Anthony Ramos as Usnavi de la Vega, a bodega owner in the New York City neighborhood of Washington Heights on Manhattan’s Upper West Side.
Usnavi’s daily life and the lives of the other neighborhood residents are detailed through song, set against the backdrop of a sweltering New York City summer.
Adapted for the screen from Lin Manuel Miranda’s Broadway musical of the same name, In the Heights stars Anthony Ramos as Usnavi de la Vega, a bodega owner in the New York City neighborhood of Washington Heights on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. Usnavi’s daily life and the lives of the other neighborhood residents are detailed through song, set against the backdrop of a sweltering New York City summer.
