Director Jon M. Chu thrilled audiences at the BFI
London Film Festival on Friday with an exclusive first look at Wicked:
For Good, while also offering fans a glimpse into his next big-screen
musical venture.
Appearing at BFI Southbank, Chu personally asked
attendees not to film or photograph the sneak peek ahead of the highly
anticipated sequel’s theatrical debut on Nov. 21. During his session,
the filmmaker reflected on the massive scope of production, sharing
behind-the-scenes insights into the 10-time Oscar-nominated franchise
and teasing what’s still to come for Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba and Ariana
Grande’s Glinda in the continuation of the story.
Referencing the emotional press tour for the first Wicked
film which saw Erivo and Grande tearfully describing their experiences Chu said
their reactions were deeply rooted in the intense journey they all shared on
set.
“People ask, ‘Why were they so emotional?’” he told the
audience. “It’s because we lived both movies their meeting, their separation,
their deaths before anyone else did. When you finally see it, you’ll
understand. These women are extraordinary.”
Chu also hinted at the craftsmanship behind the film’s
beloved characters, revealing that the Tin Man and Scarecrow were
achieved entirely with practical makeup and hair effects, not CGI.
“There was no room for error,” he said. “The artistry from our team is just
breathtaking.”
The director went on to discuss casting decisions, his
choice to split the musical into two films, and his personal connection to
stage musicals. When asked about future adaptations, Chu revealed he’s already
developing another classic:
“I’m working on Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor
Dreamcoat it’s one of my favorite shows,” he said. “It’s tricky to
reimagine for modern audiences, but I think we’ve found something really
exciting.”
Chu will direct the Amazon MGM Studios adaptation of Andrew
Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s beloved 1968 musical, reuniting with his In
the Heights producer Scott Sanders.
The 2025 BFI London Film Festival continues through Oct. 19.
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