Jon M. Chu the director of Wicked recently spoke to Billboard during the Golden Globe Awards on Sunday January 5th regarding his progress on the upcoming Britney Spears biopic. Chu explained that his team will start working soon while keeping a tight lid on any specifics for the biopic. Universal Pictures landed rights to the Britney Spears memoir The Woman in Me and Chu has been tapped to direct a film about her life and rise to fame.
Chu Emphasizes Britney Spears' Active Involvement and Intent To Do Her Story Justice
Jon Chu expressed his desire to accurately depict Britney Spears story from her best selling memoir titled The Woman in Me with full support of the iconic artist saying he is big fan from when she was a very young 12 acts at the Shrine Auditorium. Jon Chu emphasized that Britney Spears will have considerable influence within the project's filmmaking although all ideas are very early stages in development. Jon M Chu wants to honor Britney Spears by creating something true to her history during the process of making a biographical film.
Universal Pictures Tapped Jon M Chu Who Has Unique Vision For the Project While Exploring Important Themes in Hollywood
Jon M Chu revealed he has ideas on how to explore the story of the singer through the eyes of her fans which the director takes very seriously. He confirmed to Entertainment Tonight his vision would explore “how we treat people especially young stars women and mothers” while working with Britney Spears directly during production. Universal Pictures will provide support to director Jon M. Chu and the full team working on the production with clear goals toward respecting the human side of this legendary performer who continues to have devoted global fan base. The book reportedly garnered over 2.5 million sales within the United States covering audiobook hard copy and ebook formats showing its broad appeal.
Britney Spears Expresses Preference for "Fictional Musical" With a “Smart” Character Instead Of Straightforward Biopic
Britney Spears cryptically announced on social media in September that she is working with Marc Platt hinting at “a secret project” while noting the film is not necessarily a true-to-life biopic but a more stylized fictional musical and the character she will portray is quite intelligent in nature. The audiobook version of The Woman In Me read by Michelle Williams plus intro from Britney Spears has become fastest selling book within Simon & Schuster's publication history becoming 1st most pop ular Spotify audiobook. Britney Spears shared with her social media following how very happy she was at being in “such good company like Jon Chu” in her instagram post and with an added joke.
Cynthia Erivo Co-Writes Original Song for "Wicked: For Good" which is slated to Release on November 21st
Jon Chu also gave Billboard insights into Wicked part two titled "Wicked: For Good" noting that co-star Cynthia Erivo wrote new original songs while also teasing scenes which may end up in the final version of movie and also a possible deleted montage that may be seen in another project. He also did acknowledge that Universal Studios would likely disapprove of revealing too much details. Cynthia Erivo confirmed she wrote music alongside composer Stephen Schwartz while adding that this song is extremely special and emotional with the hopes audiences feel the message of the song through Elphaba’s emotions on screen. "Wicked: For Good" is planned for November 21 release for the end of year celebrations for fans who want a different musical narrative. The director described relationship of the main lead Elphaba and Glinda as focus point on film emphasizing difficult choices each must make on individual paths with consequences attached which differs from other films.
Golden Globe Award Nominee: Cynthia Erivo Celebrated for Elphaba in the Musical Hit "Wicked"
Jon Chu confirmed both Elphaba and Glinda characters played by Erivo and Ariana Grande were given equal focus saying that everyday he experiences both characters which provides balance within the movies. “Wicked” earned multiple Golden Globes nominations specifically for acting talents shown by lead characters Cynthia Erivo who also added she was thankful for awards highlighting Elphaba's strength along with recognition from Golden Globe nomination for the project. "Wicked" will become available on digital format Fandango at Home on Dec 31 of last year plus physical 4K UHD Blu-ray format on Feb 4 of coming year providing various options for audiences that did not see film at the box office. Timothée Chalamet nominated for A Complete Unknown acknowledged support of Golden Globes with Edward Norton joining his comments as well in support. Emma D’Arcy who played for “House of Dragon” was nominated also for their role celebrating a team accomplishment while Dakota Fanning also earned nomination during this recent show event.
Director Jon M. Chu Applauds The Dedication Of The Fan Base and Their Creative Participation for 'Wicked' Film Project
Jon M. Chu spoke with E! News providing insights for the sequel stating "Wicked part two focuses on consequence of actions". This would show how Glinda and Elphaba cope with actions taken and whether they actually achieve some sort of happiness with their future situations. Jon M. Chu also shared on his interview how “movie one was all about choices” while also alluding to several song additions that many audiences can expect in future as story continues. He described the interactions of both stars and his own surprise at all creative reactions from all corners of social media and at film locations. Cynthia Erivo supported fans and expressed hope to have audience sing alongside her during all shows. Ariana Grande also voiced appreciation for nominations as did others like Billy Bob Thornton Guy Pearce Ted Danson Javier Bardem Jamie Foxx.
Other Notable Golden Globes Nominees for Their Amazing Performances and Team Projects
Adam Brody who earned nomination with “Nobody Wants This” described joy on working as team on something very loved while Nikki Glaser was nominated for her performance in “Stand Up Comedy Television”. Cooper Koch’s performance in “Monsters” was also well regarded among awards circuits with first time nomination also in competition with several veteran stars. Nicole Kidman also received nomination for Best Actress in a Motion Picture during her “Babygirl” performance during award celebrations . Sebastian Stan who received recognition for his work in both "A Different Man” and also for "The Apprentice” was awarded nominations by Golden Globes showcasing unique abilities as an actor. Jesse Eisenberg and Andrew Scott were nominated along with others such as Sofia Vergara Selena Gomez and Hannah Einbinder. Hugh Grant received an award in category of “Best Actor in a Motion Picture" during recent awards with Adrien Brody and Felicity Jones also getting an opportunity during Globes recent awards show. Other notable mention include Kathy Bates receiving support from many people for her Matlock performances along with Tilda Swinton and Jessia Gunning.
Jon M Chu remains actively working on both major films with unique visions while keeping his attention focused on accurate depictions of the source materials all while giving respect to the talented individuals that all share creative input to their successful productions.