How Jon M. Chu Broke the ‘Wicked’ Curse

The movie languished in development hell for years until the filmmaker behind “In the Heights” took a shot with a very specific — and urgent — vision

Jon Chu Wicked
Universal

“Wicked” is an undeniable smash.

In its opening weekend, it scored $112.5 million, enough to make it the third biggest opening of 2024 and the best-non sequel opening of the year. (The two movies that opened bigger were, of course, “Inside Out 2” and “Deadpool & Wolverine.”) It was also the biggest opening for a movie based on a Broadway musical. Just a couple of days ago, it posted the biggest Monday ever in November, making more than $15.8 million. People clearly love this movie.

But a “Wicked” movie being a smash hit was far from a sure thing. For many years it seemed like the project may not ever actually happen.

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