Many longtime fans of the Broadway musical are bursting with questions on how director Jon M. Chu translated the stage show for the screen. The Deseret News spoke with Chu Friday and asked him about his process, including how he cast beloved characters and ...

“There was no world where we wouldn’t invite them to come be a part of this,” director Jon M. Chu tells The Hollywood Reporter. “The question for us was, how, and how much are they willing to do in it, and how much can the story itself handle it? Because they’re such iconic people and especially to these roles.”

He never doubted it would work as a movie. He just hoped he would be the one to film it: “I have my own experiences with being green.”

Jon M. Chu remembers Ariana Grande's 'Wicked' auditions and explains his plans for the musical, including 'Dancing Through Life' number. Interview

"Musical" has been a dirty word in marketing some recent song-and-dance studio films, but there's no avoiding it in bringing "Wicked" to the big screen.

What "Wicked" has to say about gaslighting leaders, fascism, scapegoating entire races of people, and American resilience is something Chu thought a great deal about, so he's not surprised its timelessness speaks to this moment.

Ahead of 'Wicked's Nov. 22 premiere, director Jon M. Chu explained how 'The Wizard of Oz' frequently reflects America's journey.

Part 1. Audiences that have already seen Wicked are likely looking to the Western sky for more details on the second film, which isn't scheduled to hit theaters until Nov. 21, 2025. However, we have some insight which just might make you happy enough to melt.

Part 2. Wicked, which is directed by Chu, is now playing in United States theaters. The film is the first chapter in a two-part adaptation of the popular Broadway show of the same name. Wicked: Part 2 arrives in025.