Exclusive: Two-time Emmy and Golden Globe award-winning producer Michael Bostick is joining Jon M. Chu’s multi-media production company, Electric Somewhere as their new Head of Film.
Bostick will be joining Caitlin Foito, the Head of Television, who continues to lead the department under Chu’s deal at 20th Century Fox Television.
Earlier this year, Chu signed a first-look feature film deal at Warner Bros; the filmmaker having made Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights at the studio.
“I’ve long admired Michael’s films and the successful companies he’s built. His sophisticated taste and endless curiosity about the stories he champions perfectly align with the vision I have for the Electric Somewhere Company. I’m thrilled that we’re finally teaming up to create purpose-driven spectacles for the largest screens, bringing joy to audiences around the world,” said Chu.
“Jon’s boundless talent as a top-tier storyteller...
Bostick will be joining Caitlin Foito, the Head of Television, who continues to lead the department under Chu’s deal at 20th Century Fox Television.
Earlier this year, Chu signed a first-look feature film deal at Warner Bros; the filmmaker having made Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights at the studio.
“I’ve long admired Michael’s films and the successful companies he’s built. His sophisticated taste and endless curiosity about the stories he champions perfectly align with the vision I have for the Electric Somewhere Company. I’m thrilled that we’re finally teaming up to create purpose-driven spectacles for the largest screens, bringing joy to audiences around the world,” said Chu.
“Jon’s boundless talent as a top-tier storyteller...
- 5/7/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Everything Everywhere All at Once Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh has found her next major starring vehicle in Blade Runner 2099, Prime Video’s limited series following up the 2017 movie sequel Blade Runner 2049.
Details of Yeoh’s role are under wraps, as is the show’s plot. But it marks the latest expansion of the sci-fi franchise based on Philip K. Dick’s seminal novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, which kicked off with Ridley Scott’s classic 1982 film, Blade Runner. Production recently began overseas, following a delay of nearly a year due to the double strikes of 2023. While it originally had been set to shoot in Belfast, the show wound up relocating to Prague following the work stoppage.
In addition to serving as showrunner of the limited series, Silka Luisa is exec producing alongside Scott, Alcon Entertainment co-founders Andrew Kosove and Broderick Johnson, Alcon’s President of Television Ben Roberts,...
Details of Yeoh’s role are under wraps, as is the show’s plot. But it marks the latest expansion of the sci-fi franchise based on Philip K. Dick’s seminal novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, which kicked off with Ridley Scott’s classic 1982 film, Blade Runner. Production recently began overseas, following a delay of nearly a year due to the double strikes of 2023. While it originally had been set to shoot in Belfast, the show wound up relocating to Prague following the work stoppage.
In addition to serving as showrunner of the limited series, Silka Luisa is exec producing alongside Scott, Alcon Entertainment co-founders Andrew Kosove and Broderick Johnson, Alcon’s President of Television Ben Roberts,...
- 5/7/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Ariana Grande says the first day on the set of 'Wicked' was one of the most "emotional" experiences of her life.The 30-year-old star plays Galinda the Good Witch in Jon M. Chu's upcoming two-part movie adaptation of the popular stage musical and recalled how she was moved to tears as she embraced the director and her co-star Cynthia Erivo for the first time.Speaking to Variety at the Met Gala on Monday (06.05.24) night, Ariana said: "My first day on set for 'Wicked' was the most emotional day of my life. All I remember was holding hands with Cynthia and Jon and crying. And (Jon) saying, 'Welcome to 'Wicked''."The 'We Can't Be Friends' singer forged a close bond with Erivo - who stars as fellow witch Elphaba - during their work on the project and it meant that chemistry between the pair came naturally.
- 5/7/2024
- by Joe Graber
- Bang Showbiz
Even after playing a sorceress on Wheel of Time, Rosamund Pike still has a few more tricks up her sleeve. The actor is the latest to join the cast of Lionsgate’s Now You See Me 3, the upcoming installment of the magic heist franchise.
She’s among a number of newcomers to the series, following Justice Smith, Dominic Sessa and Ariana Greenblatt. The actors join Now You See Me mainstays expected to return that include Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher, Dave Franco, and Morgan Freeman. Details of Pike’s role are being kept under wraps.
Louis Leterrier directed the first Now You See Me movie, which was released in 2013 and followed the Four Horsemen, a group of magicians known for their heist skills. It earned $351.7 million globally, and spawned a Jon M. Chu-directed sequel, released in 2016 and which brought in $334.8 million globally.
Venom and Uncharted director Ruben Fleischer...
She’s among a number of newcomers to the series, following Justice Smith, Dominic Sessa and Ariana Greenblatt. The actors join Now You See Me mainstays expected to return that include Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher, Dave Franco, and Morgan Freeman. Details of Pike’s role are being kept under wraps.
Louis Leterrier directed the first Now You See Me movie, which was released in 2013 and followed the Four Horsemen, a group of magicians known for their heist skills. It earned $351.7 million globally, and spawned a Jon M. Chu-directed sequel, released in 2016 and which brought in $334.8 million globally.
Venom and Uncharted director Ruben Fleischer...
- 5/2/2024
- by Aaron Couch
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Masters of the Universe toy and cartoon franchise got a live-action film adaptation back in 1987, with Dolph Lundgren taking on the role of lead hero He-Man, who defends the planet Eternia (and the rest of the universe) from evil forces, usually headed up by the villain Skeletor. To cut costs, the majority of the film is set on 1980s Earth, with He-Man and various other characters being transported from Eternia to Earth with the use of a “Cosmic Key.” Another live-action film adaptation of Masters of the Universe has been in development hell for a long time, but it looks like might finally escape into production, as Amazon MGM Studios and Mattel Studios have announced that the movie will be receiving a theatrical release on June 5, 2026. Technically, summer in the northern hemisphere won’t begin until June 21st in 2026, but this is considered a summer release because summer starts early in the movie industry.
- 5/2/2024
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
The long-awaited live-action “Masters of the Universe” movie is one step closer to becoming a reality, with Amazon MGM Studios and Mattel Films dating the project for worldwide theatrical release on June 5, 2026.
Travis Knight is on board to direct the film adaptation of the popular franchise, with Chris Butler writing the screenplay, following initial drafts written by David Callaham and Aaron and Adam Nee. Mattel Films’ Robbie Brenner, Escape Artists’ Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal and Steve Tisch are producing.
According to its official synopsis, “Masters of the Universe” introduces a 10-year-old Prince Adam, who crashed to Earth in a spaceship and was separated from his magical Power Sword — the only link to his home on Eternia.
“After tracking it down almost two decades later,” the synopsis explains, “Prince Adam is whisked back across space to defend his home planet against the evil forces of Skeletor. But to defeat such a powerful villain,...
Travis Knight is on board to direct the film adaptation of the popular franchise, with Chris Butler writing the screenplay, following initial drafts written by David Callaham and Aaron and Adam Nee. Mattel Films’ Robbie Brenner, Escape Artists’ Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal and Steve Tisch are producing.
According to its official synopsis, “Masters of the Universe” introduces a 10-year-old Prince Adam, who crashed to Earth in a spaceship and was separated from his magical Power Sword — the only link to his home on Eternia.
“After tracking it down almost two decades later,” the synopsis explains, “Prince Adam is whisked back across space to defend his home planet against the evil forces of Skeletor. But to defeat such a powerful villain,...
- 5/2/2024
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
The main commencement ceremony at the University of Southern California has been cancelled. The decision comes just over a week after the university canceled plans for a graduation speech by the class of 2024 valedictorian, Asna Tabassum, who was criticized by pro-Israel groups for supporting Palestine on social media. USC will host individual school ceremonies as scheduled, but will implement additional security measures following protests and arrests made on campus.
“With the new safety measures in place this year, the time needed to process the large number of guests coming to campus will increase substantially,...
“With the new safety measures in place this year, the time needed to process the large number of guests coming to campus will increase substantially,...
- 4/25/2024
- by Larisha Paul
- Rollingstone.com
Citing safety concerns following escalating protests, USC announced today it has canceled the “main stage” commencement ceremony that had been planned for May 10 and will require tickets for people to attend any other commencement activities.
The university will continue to hold “dozens” of smaller commencement events, including the individual school ceremonies — such as that for the School of Cinematic Arts — in which graduates are announced and walk across the stage to receive their diplomas.
“To ensure we host commencement activities and celebrate our graduates safely, we will be implementing additional security measures,” reads a message from the university. “These include ticketing of all commencement events taking place on May 8-11 and directing all campus access through specific points of entry.”
Details on the ticketing process were expected to be posted online by Tuesday.
The announcement came one day after nearly 100 people were arrested on campus following a daylong “occupation” by pro-Palestinian protesters in Alumni Park,...
The university will continue to hold “dozens” of smaller commencement events, including the individual school ceremonies — such as that for the School of Cinematic Arts — in which graduates are announced and walk across the stage to receive their diplomas.
“To ensure we host commencement activities and celebrate our graduates safely, we will be implementing additional security measures,” reads a message from the university. “These include ticketing of all commencement events taking place on May 8-11 and directing all campus access through specific points of entry.”
Details on the ticketing process were expected to be posted online by Tuesday.
The announcement came one day after nearly 100 people were arrested on campus following a daylong “occupation” by pro-Palestinian protesters in Alumni Park,...
- 4/25/2024
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
Lucy Liu and Padma Lakshmi are among the stars who will be honored at the third annual Gold House Gala in May.
This year marks the third annual Gold Gala where top Asian Pacific and multicultural leaders will convene to celebrate the 2024 A100 List.
Gold House will announce the A100 honorees on May. 1. The list highlights the 100 most impactful Asian Pacific changemakers in culture and society over the past year.
This year’s theme, A Gold New World, imagines a tomorrow for all, built by all. Luxury brand fashion designer Prabal Gurung will help bring this vision to life as the first-ever Gold Gala Creative Director.
Speaking with Variety, Gurang said, “When we talk about Asian representation, we talk about all Asians. People are flying in from India, Taiwan, Shanghai and all over. It’s about people from their respective fields coming together to inspire.” He added, “Gold House and...
This year marks the third annual Gold Gala where top Asian Pacific and multicultural leaders will convene to celebrate the 2024 A100 List.
Gold House will announce the A100 honorees on May. 1. The list highlights the 100 most impactful Asian Pacific changemakers in culture and society over the past year.
This year’s theme, A Gold New World, imagines a tomorrow for all, built by all. Luxury brand fashion designer Prabal Gurung will help bring this vision to life as the first-ever Gold Gala Creative Director.
Speaking with Variety, Gurang said, “When we talk about Asian representation, we talk about all Asians. People are flying in from India, Taiwan, Shanghai and all over. It’s about people from their respective fields coming together to inspire.” He added, “Gold House and...
- 4/25/2024
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
When prospective students of the University of Southern California visit the school, tour guides like to point out several noteworthy landmarks on campus: Heritage Hall and its multiple Heisman trophies on display, the symbolic Tommy Trojan statue and Norris Cinema Theatre, where students of all majors congregate each Thursday night to watch and discuss cinema with famed film critic Leonard Maltin.
The class, officially titled Ctcs-466: Theatrical Film Symposium, was founded by a fellow critic, Arthur Knight, in the early 1960s. He proposed filmmakers bring their latest work to campus for youthful, eager minds to absorb and discuss. Stewardship of the class passed to L.A. Times critic Charles Champlin in 1985, and eventually, the opportunity to take over one of USC’s most popular electives was presented to Maltin.
Maltin, Variety’s Educator of the Year, along with hundreds of students have since convened for 26 years in the oldest screening...
The class, officially titled Ctcs-466: Theatrical Film Symposium, was founded by a fellow critic, Arthur Knight, in the early 1960s. He proposed filmmakers bring their latest work to campus for youthful, eager minds to absorb and discuss. Stewardship of the class passed to L.A. Times critic Charles Champlin in 1985, and eventually, the opportunity to take over one of USC’s most popular electives was presented to Maltin.
Maltin, Variety’s Educator of the Year, along with hundreds of students have since convened for 26 years in the oldest screening...
- 4/24/2024
- by Sharareh Drury
- Variety Film + TV
The University of Southern California has chosen to “release our outside speakers and honorees from attending this year’s [commencement] ceremony,” which is set to take place May 10. This includes “Wicked” director Jon M. Chu, who was slated as commencement speaker, and honorary degree recipients Billie Jean King, Maria Rosario Jackson and Marcia McNutt.
In a memo released Friday, USC said the decision was made “to keep the focus on our graduates…Given the highly publicized circumstances surrounding our main-stage commencement program, university leadership has decided it is best to release our outside speakers and honorees from attending this year’s ceremony.”
The statement continued, “It is important that our full attention be on our remarkable graduates. We will be celebrating their accomplishments in a way that reflects the unity we love so much about our Trojan Family.”
This announcement came less than a week after USC sparked controversy by barring its valedictorian,...
In a memo released Friday, USC said the decision was made “to keep the focus on our graduates…Given the highly publicized circumstances surrounding our main-stage commencement program, university leadership has decided it is best to release our outside speakers and honorees from attending this year’s ceremony.”
The statement continued, “It is important that our full attention be on our remarkable graduates. We will be celebrating their accomplishments in a way that reflects the unity we love so much about our Trojan Family.”
This announcement came less than a week after USC sparked controversy by barring its valedictorian,...
- 4/20/2024
- by Jack Dunn
- Variety Film + TV
The University of Southern California has decided to “release” guest speakers and honorees from attending this year’s commencement on May 10.
Among those who were set to be featured at the main commencement program were Wicked filmmaker Jon M. Chu as the commencement speaker, and honorary degree recipient’s tennis star Billie Jean King, Maria Rosario Jackson and Marcia McNutt.
“To keep the focus on our graduates, we are redesigning the commencement program,” the university shared in a memo Friday. “Given the highly publicized circumstances surrounding our main-stage commencement program, university leadership has decided it is best to release our outside speakers and honorees from attending this year’s ceremony.”
The message continued, “We’ve been talking to this exceptional group and hope to confer these honorary degrees at a future commencement or other academic ceremonies.”
The news came after USC faced a wave of criticism this week after the...
Among those who were set to be featured at the main commencement program were Wicked filmmaker Jon M. Chu as the commencement speaker, and honorary degree recipient’s tennis star Billie Jean King, Maria Rosario Jackson and Marcia McNutt.
“To keep the focus on our graduates, we are redesigning the commencement program,” the university shared in a memo Friday. “Given the highly publicized circumstances surrounding our main-stage commencement program, university leadership has decided it is best to release our outside speakers and honorees from attending this year’s ceremony.”
The message continued, “We’ve been talking to this exceptional group and hope to confer these honorary degrees at a future commencement or other academic ceremonies.”
The news came after USC faced a wave of criticism this week after the...
- 4/20/2024
- by Carly Thomas
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
2Nd Update: In the wake of its decision to cancel a pro-Palestinian valedictorian’s commencement address, the University of Southern California has released director Jon M. Chu and other speakers from their commitments to address attendees in its main graduation event.
Updated: A USC spokesperson indicated on Saturday that invited speakers would still appear at the various satellite ceremonies.
On Friday, USC issued a release explaining its main graduation plan.
“To keep the focus on our graduates, we are redesigning the commencement program. Given the highly publicized circumstances surrounding our main-stage commencement program, university leadership has decided it is best to release our outside speakers and honorees from attending this year’s ceremony. We’ve been talking to this exceptional group and hope to confer these honorary degrees at a future commencement or other academic ceremonies.”
The commencement will feature a main-stage ceremony and 38 satellite ceremonies, five celebrations, and 65 receptions.
Updated: A USC spokesperson indicated on Saturday that invited speakers would still appear at the various satellite ceremonies.
On Friday, USC issued a release explaining its main graduation plan.
“To keep the focus on our graduates, we are redesigning the commencement program. Given the highly publicized circumstances surrounding our main-stage commencement program, university leadership has decided it is best to release our outside speakers and honorees from attending this year’s ceremony. We’ve been talking to this exceptional group and hope to confer these honorary degrees at a future commencement or other academic ceremonies.”
The commencement will feature a main-stage ceremony and 38 satellite ceremonies, five celebrations, and 65 receptions.
- 4/20/2024
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Vashon Film Institute has set the date for the third annual Vashon Island Film Festival, which is slated to take place Aug. 8-11. The announcement comes with the launch of two new divisions of the Vashon Film Institute and a new donation arm, which accepts restricted funds to be used solely to fund improvements at the Vashon Theatre.
Vfi’s new divisions are the Quartermaster Lab, a collective of filmmaking programs, and VFIpresents, its sales, distribution and release division, which will also focus on organizing community events outside Viff.
“The quintessential goal in founding Vfi was to support independent filmmaking in the Pacific Northwest,” said Mark Mathias Sayre, founder of Vashon Film Institute. “To that end, Viff has already brought compelling indie features and documentaries to local audiences and will continue to do so. But that’s only part of the game plan: We’re equally committed to engendering the...
Vfi’s new divisions are the Quartermaster Lab, a collective of filmmaking programs, and VFIpresents, its sales, distribution and release division, which will also focus on organizing community events outside Viff.
“The quintessential goal in founding Vfi was to support independent filmmaking in the Pacific Northwest,” said Mark Mathias Sayre, founder of Vashon Film Institute. “To that end, Viff has already brought compelling indie features and documentaries to local audiences and will continue to do so. But that’s only part of the game plan: We’re equally committed to engendering the...
- 4/19/2024
- by Selena Kuznikov and Jack Dunn
- Variety Film + TV
Crazy Rich Asians has it’s eyes set on Broadway!
It was just announced on Wednesday (April 17) that Warner Bros is currently developing a musical adaptation of the film, according to Variety.
The film’s director Jon M Chu is set to return to direct the stage musical on Broadway!
Keep reading to find out more…
This will mark Jon‘s Broadway directorial debut, following his feature film adaptations of hit Broadway musicals In the Heights and the upcoming Wicked movies.
Leah Nanako Winkler is set to write the book for the musical, with music by Helen Park and lyrics by Amanda Green and Tat Tong.
The premise for Crazy Rich Asians is that it “takes a fun, engaging and hilarious look at what can happen when young love collides with old money.”
There were talks about a Crazy Rich Asians movie sequel, but it has yet to see the light of day.
It was just announced on Wednesday (April 17) that Warner Bros is currently developing a musical adaptation of the film, according to Variety.
The film’s director Jon M Chu is set to return to direct the stage musical on Broadway!
Keep reading to find out more…
This will mark Jon‘s Broadway directorial debut, following his feature film adaptations of hit Broadway musicals In the Heights and the upcoming Wicked movies.
Leah Nanako Winkler is set to write the book for the musical, with music by Helen Park and lyrics by Amanda Green and Tat Tong.
The premise for Crazy Rich Asians is that it “takes a fun, engaging and hilarious look at what can happen when young love collides with old money.”
There were talks about a Crazy Rich Asians movie sequel, but it has yet to see the light of day.
- 4/17/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Wicked director Jon M. Chu will make his Broadway directorial debut with a new stage adaptation of his 2018 hit film Crazy Rich Asians, producers announced today.
The new musical, still in development, will feature a book by Leah Nanako Winkler, music by Helen Park and lyrics by Amanda Green & Tat Tong.
The announcement comes as anticipation builds for the two-part Wicked film, with the first part set for release this November. Chu also has directed the film adaptation of the Broadway musical In The Heights.
The announcement was made today by Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures (Mark Kaufman) and Kevin Kwan. The musical is described as a contemporary romantic comedy based on Kwan’s bestselling book trilogy and the Warner Bros. Pictures film directed by Chu.
The timeline for a pre-Broadway engagement will be announced shortly.
Book-writer Winkler’s credits include her plays God Said This, Two Mile Hollow, Kentucky, Hot Asian Doctor Husband,...
The new musical, still in development, will feature a book by Leah Nanako Winkler, music by Helen Park and lyrics by Amanda Green & Tat Tong.
The announcement comes as anticipation builds for the two-part Wicked film, with the first part set for release this November. Chu also has directed the film adaptation of the Broadway musical In The Heights.
The announcement was made today by Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures (Mark Kaufman) and Kevin Kwan. The musical is described as a contemporary romantic comedy based on Kwan’s bestselling book trilogy and the Warner Bros. Pictures film directed by Chu.
The timeline for a pre-Broadway engagement will be announced shortly.
Book-writer Winkler’s credits include her plays God Said This, Two Mile Hollow, Kentucky, Hot Asian Doctor Husband,...
- 4/17/2024
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
A musical stage adaptation of Crazy Rich Asians is under development, with Jon M. Chu set to direct.
The musical, which is being developed by Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures and Kevin Kwan, features a book by Leah Nanako Winkler, music by Helen Park and lyrics by Amanda Green and Tat Tong. The production is aiming for Broadway, with a pre-Broadway engagement to be announced shortly.
This would mark the Great White Way debut for Chu, who directed the film version of Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights, as well as the upcoming two-part film adaptation of Wicked.
Both the film and the original book trilogy by Kwan provide the basis for the stage adaptation. The plot follows an American named Rachel Chu who travels to Singapore with her boyfriend, Nick Young, for a wedding and finds out that he comes from a very wealthy family, which does not necessarily approve of her.
The musical, which is being developed by Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures and Kevin Kwan, features a book by Leah Nanako Winkler, music by Helen Park and lyrics by Amanda Green and Tat Tong. The production is aiming for Broadway, with a pre-Broadway engagement to be announced shortly.
This would mark the Great White Way debut for Chu, who directed the film version of Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights, as well as the upcoming two-part film adaptation of Wicked.
Both the film and the original book trilogy by Kwan provide the basis for the stage adaptation. The plot follows an American named Rachel Chu who travels to Singapore with her boyfriend, Nick Young, for a wedding and finds out that he comes from a very wealthy family, which does not necessarily approve of her.
- 4/17/2024
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The USC School of Cinematic Arts has announced that Miky Lee will deliver the 20024 Commencement address.
James Gray, director, writer, and Sca alumnus, will receive the Mary Pickford Alumni Award at the graduation ceremony at the Shrine Auditorium on Friday, May 10, 2024.
“Miky Lee is a true pioneer and ambassador of collaborative global filmmaking, and we are so happy to have her share her insight and expertise with our graduating students,” Elizabeth M. Daley, Dean of the USC School of Cinematic Arts, said in a statement. “Miky works across borders, cultures, and genres, and champions the kinds of projects our students aspire to creating. We are so pleased she agreed to be this year’s graduation speaker.”
Sca alumnus Jon M. Chu, who graduated in 2003 with a Bfa in film & television production, will speak at this year’s main, university-wide commencement ceremony at 8:30 a.m. at Alumni Park.
As Commencement Speaker,...
James Gray, director, writer, and Sca alumnus, will receive the Mary Pickford Alumni Award at the graduation ceremony at the Shrine Auditorium on Friday, May 10, 2024.
“Miky Lee is a true pioneer and ambassador of collaborative global filmmaking, and we are so happy to have her share her insight and expertise with our graduating students,” Elizabeth M. Daley, Dean of the USC School of Cinematic Arts, said in a statement. “Miky works across borders, cultures, and genres, and champions the kinds of projects our students aspire to creating. We are so pleased she agreed to be this year’s graduation speaker.”
Sca alumnus Jon M. Chu, who graduated in 2003 with a Bfa in film & television production, will speak at this year’s main, university-wide commencement ceremony at 8:30 a.m. at Alumni Park.
As Commencement Speaker,...
- 4/17/2024
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
Miky Lee, vice chair of Korean media giant Cj, is set to give the USC School of Cinematic Arts 2024 commencement address, organizers said Tuesday.
As a pioneer of the Korean movie wave, Lee has championed Korean directors like Park Chan-wook and Bong Joon Ho, and has executive producer credits that include Lady Vengeance, The Host, Snowpiercer, The Handmaiden and Parasite, the latter of which was the first non-English-language film to win the Oscar for best picture.
She will give the commencement address at the graduation ceremony set for May 10 at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.
“Miky Lee is a true pioneer and ambassador of collaborative global filmmaking, and we are so happy to have her share her insight and expertise with our graduating students,” Elizabeth M. Daley, dean of the USC School of Cinematic Arts, said in a statement.
Organizers also announced that the veteran Hollywood director, writer and...
As a pioneer of the Korean movie wave, Lee has championed Korean directors like Park Chan-wook and Bong Joon Ho, and has executive producer credits that include Lady Vengeance, The Host, Snowpiercer, The Handmaiden and Parasite, the latter of which was the first non-English-language film to win the Oscar for best picture.
She will give the commencement address at the graduation ceremony set for May 10 at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.
“Miky Lee is a true pioneer and ambassador of collaborative global filmmaking, and we are so happy to have her share her insight and expertise with our graduating students,” Elizabeth M. Daley, dean of the USC School of Cinematic Arts, said in a statement.
Organizers also announced that the veteran Hollywood director, writer and...
- 4/16/2024
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Jon M. Chu says that "destiny" enabled him to cast Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande in 'Wicked'.The 44-year-old filmmaker is helming the two-part film adaptation of the hit stage musical and is grateful to have the stars featuring in the roles of witches Elphaba and Glinda respectively.Speaking at CinemaCon in Las Vegas on Thursday (11.04.24), Jon said: "When you find those two, you know it's destiny."The 'Crazy Rich Asians' director explained how Cynthia, Ariana and himself have all incorporated "personal things" to add extra emotion to the film – the first part of which will be released in November with the second following in 2025.Chu said: "We've gone through so many emotional journeys together."The director explained how the musical has had a profound "impact" on his life as he went to see the show in San Francisco during his college days with his mother – who was undergoing chemotherapy at the time.
- 4/12/2024
- by Ayaan Ali
- Bang Showbiz
Wicked director Jon M. Chu opened up about casting Ariana Grande as Glinda and the important skill that she brought to the movies.
The 30-year-old pop star is set to share the screen with Cynthia Erivo in the two-part saga, which kicks off with Part One on Thanksgiving this year.
During a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Jon reflected on casting concerns for the film adaptation and what it meant for him to find Ariana and Cynthia.
Keep reading to find out more…
“When you find those two, you know it’s destiny,” Jon said, adding that they had developed “a spiritual connection.”
“We’ve gone through so many journeys together,” he explained, alluding to both personal and professional examples. “That’s why it had that impact on me.”
Jon also addressed another skill that Ariana brought to the set – her expansive knowledge of the source material. He said that...
The 30-year-old pop star is set to share the screen with Cynthia Erivo in the two-part saga, which kicks off with Part One on Thanksgiving this year.
During a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Jon reflected on casting concerns for the film adaptation and what it meant for him to find Ariana and Cynthia.
Keep reading to find out more…
“When you find those two, you know it’s destiny,” Jon said, adding that they had developed “a spiritual connection.”
“We’ve gone through so many journeys together,” he explained, alluding to both personal and professional examples. “That’s why it had that impact on me.”
Jon also addressed another skill that Ariana brought to the set – her expansive knowledge of the source material. He said that...
- 4/12/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Less than 24 hours after unveiling exclusive Wicked footage in Las Vegas, filmmaker Jon M. Chu found his way into the spotlight of another CinemaCon stage inside Caesars Palace, this time for a special luncheon in his honor at which he revealed secrets about filming the two-part epic musical.
“It was pretty magical last night,” Chu told The Hollywood Reporter’s co-editor-in-chief Nekesa Mumbi Moody, who moderated a fireside chat with the filmmaker after he was presented a trophy for cultural impact in filmmaking (by his In the Heights star Ariana Greenblatt). Chu has been in the editing room while managing a full household of four young children, so he said that being in Las Vegas where he could sleep and hang out with others, “I’m, like, ‘Let’s go.’”
Chu, fresh from the Colosseum stage where he appeared during Universal Pictures’ slate presentation, opened up on the 30-minute Wicked...
“It was pretty magical last night,” Chu told The Hollywood Reporter’s co-editor-in-chief Nekesa Mumbi Moody, who moderated a fireside chat with the filmmaker after he was presented a trophy for cultural impact in filmmaking (by his In the Heights star Ariana Greenblatt). Chu has been in the editing room while managing a full household of four young children, so he said that being in Las Vegas where he could sleep and hang out with others, “I’m, like, ‘Let’s go.’”
Chu, fresh from the Colosseum stage where he appeared during Universal Pictures’ slate presentation, opened up on the 30-minute Wicked...
- 4/11/2024
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Jon M. Chu revealed it was “heartbreaking” and “very hurtful” for him when he learned his 2021 musical “In the Heights” was being released in theaters and on streaming via HBO Max on the same day.
Speaking to a crowd of exhibitors at the CinemaCon convention in Las Vegas on Thursday, Chu lamented the “Project Popcorn” campaign put in place by former Warner Media CEO Jason Kilar back in 2021, in which Warner Bros. took its entire theatrical slate for the year, including films like “In the Heights,” “Dune,” and “The Matrix Resurrections,” and put them in theaters and on streaming day-and-date, all as a means to drive subscribers to HBO Max.
When he was asked how “In the Heights” prepared him for thinking about his next film “Wicked,” another movie musical adaptation, this time for Universal, he said it made him realize the importance of theatrical.
“We would’ve made that choice early,...
Speaking to a crowd of exhibitors at the CinemaCon convention in Las Vegas on Thursday, Chu lamented the “Project Popcorn” campaign put in place by former Warner Media CEO Jason Kilar back in 2021, in which Warner Bros. took its entire theatrical slate for the year, including films like “In the Heights,” “Dune,” and “The Matrix Resurrections,” and put them in theaters and on streaming day-and-date, all as a means to drive subscribers to HBO Max.
When he was asked how “In the Heights” prepared him for thinking about his next film “Wicked,” another movie musical adaptation, this time for Universal, he said it made him realize the importance of theatrical.
“We would’ve made that choice early,...
- 4/11/2024
- by Brian Welk and Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater are sharing some very rare photos together!
The couple and Wicked costars were first romantically linked in the summer of 2023, and they’re still going strong months later. In fact, a recent report suggested that they are “getting more serious” about their relationship.
While things seem to be going well, we don’t often get pictures of Ari and Ethan. On Wednesday (April 10), they shared two new photos that were taken at CinemaCon in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Keep reading to find out more…
During the event, Ari, who plays Glinda in the forthcoming movies, took the stage with Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba), Michelle Yeoh (Madame Morrible), Jeff Goldblum (the Wizard of Oz) and Jonathan Bailey (Fiyero).
It turns out that Ethan, who plays Boq, was also present. We know this because Jeff and director Jon M. Chu shared photos of him backstage with the rest of the cast.
The couple and Wicked costars were first romantically linked in the summer of 2023, and they’re still going strong months later. In fact, a recent report suggested that they are “getting more serious” about their relationship.
While things seem to be going well, we don’t often get pictures of Ari and Ethan. On Wednesday (April 10), they shared two new photos that were taken at CinemaCon in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Keep reading to find out more…
During the event, Ari, who plays Glinda in the forthcoming movies, took the stage with Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba), Michelle Yeoh (Madame Morrible), Jeff Goldblum (the Wizard of Oz) and Jonathan Bailey (Fiyero).
It turns out that Ethan, who plays Boq, was also present. We know this because Jeff and director Jon M. Chu shared photos of him backstage with the rest of the cast.
- 4/11/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Based on the book by Gregory Maguire, the hit Broadway stage musical "Wicked" opened on October 30, 2003, at the Gershwin Theatre, and has been running there ever since. It recently surpassed "Cats" to become the fourth longest-running show in Broadway history, although it has a long way to go to supplant "The Lion King" as the third-longest. The musical is a prequel to "The Wizard of Oz," depicting the Wicked Witch of the West as a young green-skinned woman named Elphaba whose reputation has been wildly misunderstood. The show won three Tonys upon its release, and the accompanying soundtrack album won an Emmy. One might say that "Wicked" is very ... Popular.
The musical only runs about two hours and 30 minutes (with intermission), but that runtime hasn't stopped director Jon M. Chu from adapting "Wicked" into a massive, two-film epic. "Wicked: Part One" is due in theaters on November 27, 2024, while "Wicked: Part Two...
The musical only runs about two hours and 30 minutes (with intermission), but that runtime hasn't stopped director Jon M. Chu from adapting "Wicked" into a massive, two-film epic. "Wicked: Part One" is due in theaters on November 27, 2024, while "Wicked: Part Two...
- 4/11/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
The cast of Wicked flew in from Oz to attend CinemaCon on Wednesday night (April 10) in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo – who play Glinda and Elphaba, respectively, in the film adaptation of the beloved musical – were joined at the event by Michelle Yeoh (Madame Morrible), Jeff Goldblum (the Wizard of Oz) and Jonathan Bailey (Fiyero). It was hosted at Caesars Palace and also attended by director Jon M. Chu.
As is becoming tradition, Ari and Cynthia dressed in pink and green in a reference to their characters in the upcoming movies.
During the event, five minutes of the movie were screened, and some exciting details were revealed!
Keep reading to find out more…
According to a recap by The Hollywood Reporter, the new footage provided a tease of Ariana‘s performance of “Popular.” We also get to hear a snippet of “Defying Gravity.” Cynthia‘s Elphaba is...
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo – who play Glinda and Elphaba, respectively, in the film adaptation of the beloved musical – were joined at the event by Michelle Yeoh (Madame Morrible), Jeff Goldblum (the Wizard of Oz) and Jonathan Bailey (Fiyero). It was hosted at Caesars Palace and also attended by director Jon M. Chu.
As is becoming tradition, Ari and Cynthia dressed in pink and green in a reference to their characters in the upcoming movies.
During the event, five minutes of the movie were screened, and some exciting details were revealed!
Keep reading to find out more…
According to a recap by The Hollywood Reporter, the new footage provided a tease of Ariana‘s performance of “Popular.” We also get to hear a snippet of “Defying Gravity.” Cynthia‘s Elphaba is...
- 4/11/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
There’s no place like CinemaCon for Universal to debut enchanting new footage for Jon M. Chu’s adaptation of Wicked! On Wednesday, the studio dropped a house on the CinemaCon crowd at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, helping Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, to tell her side of a misunderstood story.
During Universal’s CinemaCon presentation, the studio surprised the crowd by activating lanyards and roses given out before the presentation. Like magic, the objects lit up, flashing different colors as the theater filled with music. When the Great and Powerful Oz showed up, the lights interacted with his entrance. Jeff Goldblum is Oz, and he took the stage to introduce the film. “I’ll be a ringtail flying monkey if that’s not the biggest flying cranium I’ve seen in my life,” Goldblum quipped about his character.
“I’ve been chased by dinosaurs, I...
During Universal’s CinemaCon presentation, the studio surprised the crowd by activating lanyards and roses given out before the presentation. Like magic, the objects lit up, flashing different colors as the theater filled with music. When the Great and Powerful Oz showed up, the lights interacted with his entrance. Jeff Goldblum is Oz, and he took the stage to introduce the film. “I’ll be a ringtail flying monkey if that’s not the biggest flying cranium I’ve seen in my life,” Goldblum quipped about his character.
“I’ve been chased by dinosaurs, I...
- 4/11/2024
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
One year after debuting the first look of Wicked at CinemaCon, Universal Pictures brought members of the magical crew to Las Vegas on Wednesday to light up the festivities once again, with the team including filmmaker Jon M. Chu and his leading ladies, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, who had the honor of introducing exclusive footage for theater owners.
It was an emotional presentation for the Wicked team as Chu was moved to tears as he recounted finding the two performers to topline the film, and later Grande also got choked up as well.
The electric presentation — which featured on stage remarks from cast members such as Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, Jonathan Bailey, Chu and producer Marc Platt — was telegraphed from the start as Colosseum staffers handed out Wicked lanyards to attendees when they walked into the theater. Other staffers instructed guests to be careful with tulips placed...
It was an emotional presentation for the Wicked team as Chu was moved to tears as he recounted finding the two performers to topline the film, and later Grande also got choked up as well.
The electric presentation — which featured on stage remarks from cast members such as Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, Jonathan Bailey, Chu and producer Marc Platt — was telegraphed from the start as Colosseum staffers handed out Wicked lanyards to attendees when they walked into the theater. Other staffers instructed guests to be careful with tulips placed...
- 4/11/2024
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
“Wicked” stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo traveled to Las Vegas for CinemaCon, the annual convention for movie theater owners.
Dressed in their character’s signature pink and green aesthetic, the Grammy-nominated artists graced the stage at Caesars Palace to hype up “Wicked,” the big-budget movie musical that’s due in theaters around Thanksgiving.
“We both felt such a tremendous responsibility to honor these women and to pour our hearts, our souls, our tears — so many different pairs of lashes,” said Grande, who requested to hold hands with her co-star on stage. Erivo added, “I’m really grateful for this journey that we’ve taken together.”
Though they didn’t sing (to the disappointment of many in the room), they introduced an extended featurette. Scored to “Popular” and “Defying Gravity,” the dazzling footage showcased the sweeping, brightly lit world and includes scenes of Elphaba roaming the halls of Shiz University...
Dressed in their character’s signature pink and green aesthetic, the Grammy-nominated artists graced the stage at Caesars Palace to hype up “Wicked,” the big-budget movie musical that’s due in theaters around Thanksgiving.
“We both felt such a tremendous responsibility to honor these women and to pour our hearts, our souls, our tears — so many different pairs of lashes,” said Grande, who requested to hold hands with her co-star on stage. Erivo added, “I’m really grateful for this journey that we’ve taken together.”
Though they didn’t sing (to the disappointment of many in the room), they introduced an extended featurette. Scored to “Popular” and “Defying Gravity,” the dazzling footage showcased the sweeping, brightly lit world and includes scenes of Elphaba roaming the halls of Shiz University...
- 4/11/2024
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Universal Pictures took to the CinemaCon stage in Las Vegas on Wednesday afternoon on top of the box office, becoming the highest grossing studio in 2023 with $4.9 billion in worldwide revenue.
Domestic distribution president Jim Orr thanked movie theater owners for their partnership in a year that saw “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” become the highest grossing film in Illumination history with $1.36 billion, while Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” became the highest grossing biopic of all-time and the highest grossing Best Picture Oscar winner in 20 years with $968 million.
“We’re here at an unprecedented time in our industry, but no doubt a crossroads that will lead us to a lucrative and exciting future,” Orr told exhibitors. “Audiences are sending us a very clear message…they are ready for something new.”
While Universal and Focus Features’ 2024 CinemaCon presentation didn’t have the sheer volume of films as in years past, it did showcase...
Domestic distribution president Jim Orr thanked movie theater owners for their partnership in a year that saw “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” become the highest grossing film in Illumination history with $1.36 billion, while Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” became the highest grossing biopic of all-time and the highest grossing Best Picture Oscar winner in 20 years with $968 million.
“We’re here at an unprecedented time in our industry, but no doubt a crossroads that will lead us to a lucrative and exciting future,” Orr told exhibitors. “Audiences are sending us a very clear message…they are ready for something new.”
While Universal and Focus Features’ 2024 CinemaCon presentation didn’t have the sheer volume of films as in years past, it did showcase...
- 4/11/2024
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
Universal’s upcoming adaptation of the Broadway musical “Wicked” showcased some additional footage at this year’s CinemaCon in Las Vegas, bringing down the house with a first look at Cynthia Erivo donning the iconic hat of the Wicked Witch.
Erivo joined director Jon M. Chu and the film’s cast, including costar Ariana Grande, at the event.
“I never could have fathomed that I would have the opportunity to play the Wicked Witch,” Erivo said. “We have performed this song publicly and privately for many years, and now here we are together, getting the chance to perform these songs for an audience around the world.”
The sneak peek showed sweeping shots of the colorful world of Oz, along with Elphaba and Glinda’s turbulent first days together at Shiz University, where they are training to be witches. Elphaba develops far faster than Glinda, showing incredible potential and gaining the attention of Madame Morrible,...
Erivo joined director Jon M. Chu and the film’s cast, including costar Ariana Grande, at the event.
“I never could have fathomed that I would have the opportunity to play the Wicked Witch,” Erivo said. “We have performed this song publicly and privately for many years, and now here we are together, getting the chance to perform these songs for an audience around the world.”
The sneak peek showed sweeping shots of the colorful world of Oz, along with Elphaba and Glinda’s turbulent first days together at Shiz University, where they are training to be witches. Elphaba develops far faster than Glinda, showing incredible potential and gaining the attention of Madame Morrible,...
- 4/11/2024
- by Kristen Lopez
- The Wrap
Universal Pictures’ Wicked has found its goat. Peter Dinklage is set to voice the character Dr. Dillamond in the movie adaptation of the iconic Broadway musical.
The news was revealed Wednesday afternoon in Las Vegas as Universal closed out its CinemaCon presentation by sharing new footage of Wicked, which hits theaters over Thanksgiving of this year. Universal and director Jon M. Chu made the film in two parts, with the second installment set to open over the year-end holidays in 2025.
Wicked — the untold story of the witches of Oz — stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, a young woman who is misunderstood because of her unusual green skin and who has yet to discover her true power. Ariana Grande plays Glinda, a popular young woman graced by privilege and ambition but who has yet to discover her true heart. After meeting as young women, their extraordinary adventures ultimately see them fulfill their...
The news was revealed Wednesday afternoon in Las Vegas as Universal closed out its CinemaCon presentation by sharing new footage of Wicked, which hits theaters over Thanksgiving of this year. Universal and director Jon M. Chu made the film in two parts, with the second installment set to open over the year-end holidays in 2025.
Wicked — the untold story of the witches of Oz — stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, a young woman who is misunderstood because of her unusual green skin and who has yet to discover her true power. Ariana Grande plays Glinda, a popular young woman graced by privilege and ambition but who has yet to discover her true heart. After meeting as young women, their extraordinary adventures ultimately see them fulfill their...
- 4/11/2024
- by Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Game of Thrones alum Peter Dinklage was unveiled today as the voice of Dr. Dillamond in Universal’s upcoming two-part musical Wicked.
Peter Dinklage joins Ariana Grande as Glinda; Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba; Michelle Yeoh as Shiz University’s regal headmistress Madame Morrible; Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, a roguish and carefree prince; Ethan Slater as Boq, an altruistic Munchkin student; Marissa Bode in her feature debut as Nessarose, Elphaba’s favored sister; and Jeff Goldblum as the legendary Wizard of Oz.
There’s also the characters of Pfannee and ShenShen, two conniving compatriots of Glinda played by Bowen Yang and Bronwyn James, and a new character created for the film, Miss Coddle, played by Keala Settle.
In the film adaptation of the Broadway musical phenomenon, Dr. Dillamond, a goat, is a professor of history at Shiz University who warns Elphaba about rising dark forces that threaten the speaking animals of Oz,...
Peter Dinklage joins Ariana Grande as Glinda; Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba; Michelle Yeoh as Shiz University’s regal headmistress Madame Morrible; Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, a roguish and carefree prince; Ethan Slater as Boq, an altruistic Munchkin student; Marissa Bode in her feature debut as Nessarose, Elphaba’s favored sister; and Jeff Goldblum as the legendary Wizard of Oz.
There’s also the characters of Pfannee and ShenShen, two conniving compatriots of Glinda played by Bowen Yang and Bronwyn James, and a new character created for the film, Miss Coddle, played by Keala Settle.
In the film adaptation of the Broadway musical phenomenon, Dr. Dillamond, a goat, is a professor of history at Shiz University who warns Elphaba about rising dark forces that threaten the speaking animals of Oz,...
- 4/11/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro and Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
Universal ended its CinemaCon presentation with Wicked last year, and they continued to beat the drum for director Jon M. Chu’s feature take of the Broadway musical with a colorful spectacle. Every attendee at Caesars Colosseum was given a faux tulip that lit up in varying colors, in particular pink and green, creating a great visual before Jeff Goldblum aka the Wizard took the stage to introduce Chu and producer Marc Platt.
Chu regaled: “I was a Silicon Valley kid, and as a matter of luck, I was there when Wicked was workshopped in San Francisco. I’ll never forget it; it imprinted on me permanently.”
He was joined by Michelle Yeoh and Jonathan Bailey. Yeoh praised Chu for casting her in roles in which the filmmaker “knows her so well.”
But the big surprise came when the witches themselves, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, stepped on stage.
Grande...
Chu regaled: “I was a Silicon Valley kid, and as a matter of luck, I was there when Wicked was workshopped in San Francisco. I’ll never forget it; it imprinted on me permanently.”
He was joined by Michelle Yeoh and Jonathan Bailey. Yeoh praised Chu for casting her in roles in which the filmmaker “knows her so well.”
But the big surprise came when the witches themselves, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, stepped on stage.
Grande...
- 4/11/2024
- by Nancy Tartaglione and Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Lionsgate spilled more details about Now You See Me 3 at CinemaCon 2024 on Wednesday (April 10th), revealing the sequel will feature the original cast alongside “a new generation of magician thieves,” reports DiscussingFilm.
As previously announced by Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Chair Joe Drake in an investor call last year, Zombieland director Ruben Fleischer will helm the movie. At the time, Drake described the sequel as a “reimagining” of the first two films and said production was slated for this spring.
Last month, star Jesse Eisenberg gave another update, telling Collider that he had already read the script for Now You See Me 3. He also speculated production could begin in “the next six months.”
Directed by Louis Leterrier, the original Now You See Me was released in 2013 and starred Eisenberg as the leader of the Four Horsemen, a group of bank-robbing magicians also comprised of Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher,...
As previously announced by Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Chair Joe Drake in an investor call last year, Zombieland director Ruben Fleischer will helm the movie. At the time, Drake described the sequel as a “reimagining” of the first two films and said production was slated for this spring.
Last month, star Jesse Eisenberg gave another update, telling Collider that he had already read the script for Now You See Me 3. He also speculated production could begin in “the next six months.”
Directed by Louis Leterrier, the original Now You See Me was released in 2013 and starred Eisenberg as the leader of the Four Horsemen, a group of bank-robbing magicians also comprised of Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher,...
- 4/10/2024
- by Eddie Fu
- Consequence - Film News
It looks like Crazy Rich Asians 2 is still very much happening, with a shoot reportedly planned for 2025.
2018’s Crazy Rich Asians was a huge hit, and for good reason. Jon M. Chu’s charming romcom, starring Constance Wu and Henry Golding won over audiences and critics alike with its witty humour and genuine, unapologetic romance.
The film was based on Kevin Kwan’s bestselling novel and considering the book spawned two sequels, China Rich Girlfriend and Rich People Problems, rumours of a sequel to the film have resurfaced often but the projects have not materialised.
Well, there is hope still. Production Weekly (via World Of Reel) reports that Crazy Rich Asians 2 is still on the way and eyeing a 2025 shoot in Malaysia and Singapore. Jon M. Chu, currently busy on post-production for Wicked Part One, is reportedly returning to direct while Amy Wang is penning the script.
No...
2018’s Crazy Rich Asians was a huge hit, and for good reason. Jon M. Chu’s charming romcom, starring Constance Wu and Henry Golding won over audiences and critics alike with its witty humour and genuine, unapologetic romance.
The film was based on Kevin Kwan’s bestselling novel and considering the book spawned two sequels, China Rich Girlfriend and Rich People Problems, rumours of a sequel to the film have resurfaced often but the projects have not materialised.
Well, there is hope still. Production Weekly (via World Of Reel) reports that Crazy Rich Asians 2 is still on the way and eyeing a 2025 shoot in Malaysia and Singapore. Jon M. Chu, currently busy on post-production for Wicked Part One, is reportedly returning to direct while Amy Wang is penning the script.
No...
- 4/8/2024
- by Maria Lattila
- Film Stories
One year after Universal Pictures debuted the first look at footage from his upcoming two-part musical Wicked at CinemaCon, Jon M. Chu is heading back to Las Vegas for the National Association of Theater Owners’ official convention.
Chu will be the guest of honor at an annual filmmaker luncheon during which he will receive a cultural impact in filmmaking award for a “visionary approach to storytelling and his commitment to representing diverse voices and perspectives.” The Fathom-sponsored event, scheduled for April 11 in the Octavius Ballroom, will also feature a sit-down conversation with Chu.
The filmmaker luncheon will follow hot on the heels of Universal and Focus Features’ studio presentation on Wednesday at which the companies will present their upcoming slates. With Chu confirmed for the luncheon, it would not be a surprise to see him make a mark on the Colosseum main stage by presenting additional footage from Wicked ahead...
Chu will be the guest of honor at an annual filmmaker luncheon during which he will receive a cultural impact in filmmaking award for a “visionary approach to storytelling and his commitment to representing diverse voices and perspectives.” The Fathom-sponsored event, scheduled for April 11 in the Octavius Ballroom, will also feature a sit-down conversation with Chu.
The filmmaker luncheon will follow hot on the heels of Universal and Focus Features’ studio presentation on Wednesday at which the companies will present their upcoming slates. With Chu confirmed for the luncheon, it would not be a surprise to see him make a mark on the Colosseum main stage by presenting additional footage from Wicked ahead...
- 4/6/2024
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Música is a “non-musical musical” coming-of-age romantic comedy film co-written and directed by Rudy Mancuso. Based on his personal experiences, the Prime Video film follows the story of a young college student Rudy, who is about to graduate but still doesn’t if he should get a stable job or go after his dream of becoming a puppeteer. He finds himself stuck in a love triangle between his long-time girlfriend who doesn’t understand him and his dreams and a girl he recently met who seems to support his dreams, while also dealing with his overbearing mother who wants him to get himself a Brazilian girlfriend. Música stars Mancuso in the lead role with Camila Mendes, Francesca Reale, J.B. Smoove, and Maria Mancuso starring in supporting roles. So, if you loved the charming story and music of Música, here are some similar films you should check out next.
In the Heights...
In the Heights...
- 4/5/2024
- by Kulwant Singh
- Cinema Blind
“In the Heights” left Melissa Barrera heartbroken — but probably not for the reasons you’d assume.
Barrera starred in the 2021 musical adaptation opposite Anthony Ramos. In a new interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the “Scream” franchise alum said the press was “mean-spirited” to the ensemble film.
That’s not the only part of the “In the Heights” aftermath that bummed Barrera out. After being pumped-up so much about how her life was about “to change,” when it didn’t, it was “soul-crushing,” she said.
“My problem was with the press that came out that just felt mean-spirited toward the film,” Barrera said. “That was my first big studio movie, and everybody was telling us, ‘Your life is going to change.’ Then it doesn’t happen, so it was very heartbreaking and soul-crushing.”
The actress added, “But I’m grateful for how it happened. It taught me a lot about the industry,...
Barrera starred in the 2021 musical adaptation opposite Anthony Ramos. In a new interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the “Scream” franchise alum said the press was “mean-spirited” to the ensemble film.
That’s not the only part of the “In the Heights” aftermath that bummed Barrera out. After being pumped-up so much about how her life was about “to change,” when it didn’t, it was “soul-crushing,” she said.
“My problem was with the press that came out that just felt mean-spirited toward the film,” Barrera said. “That was my first big studio movie, and everybody was telling us, ‘Your life is going to change.’ Then it doesn’t happen, so it was very heartbreaking and soul-crushing.”
The actress added, “But I’m grateful for how it happened. It taught me a lot about the industry,...
- 3/28/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group is staying in the Timothée Chalamet business.
The movie company has signed the star of its back-to-back box office hits Wonka and Dune: Part Two to a multiyear first-look feature deal.
Details were not disclosed, but the company said it would collaborate with the star on projects he would both act in and produce.
“Over the last few years, we have admired not only Timothée’s commitment to his craft, which is evident in the range and depth of his varied roles, but also his unwavering dedication to give 100 percent of his time and attention to every project he has made here at Warner Bros. and elsewhere,” said motion picture group co-chairs and CEOs Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy in a statement.
“His collaboration on the campaigns for Dune and Wonka is something we all enjoyed immensely, and the results speak for themselves,” the statement added.
The movie company has signed the star of its back-to-back box office hits Wonka and Dune: Part Two to a multiyear first-look feature deal.
Details were not disclosed, but the company said it would collaborate with the star on projects he would both act in and produce.
“Over the last few years, we have admired not only Timothée’s commitment to his craft, which is evident in the range and depth of his varied roles, but also his unwavering dedication to give 100 percent of his time and attention to every project he has made here at Warner Bros. and elsewhere,” said motion picture group co-chairs and CEOs Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy in a statement.
“His collaboration on the campaigns for Dune and Wonka is something we all enjoyed immensely, and the results speak for themselves,” the statement added.
- 3/26/2024
- by Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
In what is no surprise, Warner Bros Motion Picture Group is getting into business with its Dune and Wonka star Timothée Chalamet, and has hammered a multi-year first look feature film deal with the Oscar nominee as actor and producer.
Between the Dune movies and Wonka, Chalamet’s recent pics with the Burbank, CA lot have delivered $1.6 billion to studio coffers. Chalamet became the first actor in over four decades to star in the top two domestic-grossing films released in an 8-month period.
The latest talent deal is one of many hammered out by Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group co-Chairs and CEOs, Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy, as they set their future slate at the studio. Since being announced for the top studio job at Warner Bros back in June 2022, the duo have made deals with Tom Cruise, Jon M. Chu, and T Street’s Rian Johnson and Ram Bergman.
Between the Dune movies and Wonka, Chalamet’s recent pics with the Burbank, CA lot have delivered $1.6 billion to studio coffers. Chalamet became the first actor in over four decades to star in the top two domestic-grossing films released in an 8-month period.
The latest talent deal is one of many hammered out by Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group co-Chairs and CEOs, Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy, as they set their future slate at the studio. Since being announced for the top studio job at Warner Bros back in June 2022, the duo have made deals with Tom Cruise, Jon M. Chu, and T Street’s Rian Johnson and Ram Bergman.
- 3/26/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
"Wicked" began its life as a playful, lore-rich 1995 novel by Gregory Maguire, which imagined deep backstories and complex relationships between the characters from "The Wizard of Oz." By Maguire's imagining, the green-skinned Wicked Witch of the West was merely misunderstood and marginalized. In 2003, lyricist Stephen Schwartz and dramatist Winnie Holzman adapted Maguire's novel into a Broadway musical that almost instantly became a runaway hit. "Wicked" won three Tonys, and had since set up camp on Broadway, becoming one of the longest-running shows in the history of the Great White Way. As of this writing, "Wicked" has surpassed "Cats" in number of performances.
Due in theaters on November 27, 2024, is the first part of a massive two-film adaptation of "Wicked" directed by the venerable Jon M. Chu. Although the stage version of "Wicked" only runs about two and a half hours, Chu has elected to expand it into a "Dune"-sized event,...
Due in theaters on November 27, 2024, is the first part of a massive two-film adaptation of "Wicked" directed by the venerable Jon M. Chu. Although the stage version of "Wicked" only runs about two and a half hours, Chu has elected to expand it into a "Dune"-sized event,...
- 3/26/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Thankfully, the Wicked movie will be arriving soon!
Almost ten years after plans to adapt the hit musical was first announced, two stars, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, are finally attached to the project. If you have been following the latest entertainment news, you may have been privy to the fact that a movie adaptation of the popular Broadway musical Wicked is in the works. Although a lot of fans were expecting some acclaimed celebrities to take on the iconic roles of Elphaba and Glinda, the casting decisions may cause a few to raise their eyebrows.
Instead of casting megastars such as Jennifer Lopez, Renee Rapp, Katy Perry, Amanda Seyfried, Dove Cameron, Lea Michele, or even the Jonas Brothers, the production team chose lesser-known actors for the lead roles.
Grande in a still from her upcoming movie Wicked (2024)
Cynthia Erivo will play Elphaba, while Ariana Grande will take on the...
Almost ten years after plans to adapt the hit musical was first announced, two stars, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, are finally attached to the project. If you have been following the latest entertainment news, you may have been privy to the fact that a movie adaptation of the popular Broadway musical Wicked is in the works. Although a lot of fans were expecting some acclaimed celebrities to take on the iconic roles of Elphaba and Glinda, the casting decisions may cause a few to raise their eyebrows.
Instead of casting megastars such as Jennifer Lopez, Renee Rapp, Katy Perry, Amanda Seyfried, Dove Cameron, Lea Michele, or even the Jonas Brothers, the production team chose lesser-known actors for the lead roles.
Grande in a still from her upcoming movie Wicked (2024)
Cynthia Erivo will play Elphaba, while Ariana Grande will take on the...
- 3/22/2024
- by Siddhika Prajapati
- FandomWire
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo sang live on the set of Wicked and the results will be heard in the finished film, director Jon M Chu has confirmed.
The long-awaited adaptation of the beloved musical Wicked is heading to cinemas later this year. Well, at least the first part of it… A very sparkly, downright magical trailer was released recently and the hype is building for the film.
Jon M Chu is on directing duties and has been chatting about how the film is getting on now that it is well into post-production.
An interesting snippet from a huge interview feature with Vanity Fair (spotted by Deadline) is that the film won’t be recording the singing in a sound booth after filming is done. Stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande sang live on set.
“These are live vocals,” Chu said. “When we were shooting it, those girls were like,...
The long-awaited adaptation of the beloved musical Wicked is heading to cinemas later this year. Well, at least the first part of it… A very sparkly, downright magical trailer was released recently and the hype is building for the film.
Jon M Chu is on directing duties and has been chatting about how the film is getting on now that it is well into post-production.
An interesting snippet from a huge interview feature with Vanity Fair (spotted by Deadline) is that the film won’t be recording the singing in a sound booth after filming is done. Stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande sang live on set.
“These are live vocals,” Chu said. “When we were shooting it, those girls were like,...
- 3/22/2024
- by Maria Lattila
- Film Stories
The upcoming Wicked musical movie doesn’t use canned vocals, director Jon M. Chu says.
Both Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande insisted on singing live during the production of his big-screen adaptation of the stage show. Their vocals will be used in the finished version of the film.
“These are live vocals,” Chu told Vanity Fair. “When we were shooting it, those girls were like, ‘F— the pre-records. We’re going live.'”
Chu was hesitant, telling his stars that there would be “a lot of wind” in their air pipes while performing and singing at the same time. But Grande and Erivo persisted, telling the filmmaker, “‘Yeah. That’s what we do.'”
Grande has long sought to be in a film version of the Broadway musical. She admitted to “stalking” the audition process, which Chu noticed.
“It was literally 10 years of being like, ‘Knock, knock, any developments? Is...
Both Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande insisted on singing live during the production of his big-screen adaptation of the stage show. Their vocals will be used in the finished version of the film.
“These are live vocals,” Chu told Vanity Fair. “When we were shooting it, those girls were like, ‘F— the pre-records. We’re going live.'”
Chu was hesitant, telling his stars that there would be “a lot of wind” in their air pipes while performing and singing at the same time. But Grande and Erivo persisted, telling the filmmaker, “‘Yeah. That’s what we do.'”
Grande has long sought to be in a film version of the Broadway musical. She admitted to “stalking” the audition process, which Chu noticed.
“It was literally 10 years of being like, ‘Knock, knock, any developments? Is...
- 3/21/2024
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
“Wicked” director Jon M. Chu confirmed in a new interview with Vanity Fair that his leading ladies Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo sang live on set, similar to how other movie musicals such as “La La Land” and “Les Miserables” were filmed. Studios often rely on pre-recorded tracks when filming musical numbers, which requires performers to lip-synch along on set. Grande and Erivo were not interested in this traditional method.
“These are live vocals,” Chu said. “When we were shooting it, those girls were like, ‘Fuck the pre-records. We’re going live.’”
Chu remembered telling them that singing live on set meant “there’s going to be a lot of wind in your air pipes. Is that okay?” He said the actors responded with confidence, saying, “Yeah. That’s what we do.”
Based on the blockbuster Broadway musical of the same name, “Wicked” is a prequel to “The Wizard of Oz...
“These are live vocals,” Chu said. “When we were shooting it, those girls were like, ‘Fuck the pre-records. We’re going live.’”
Chu remembered telling them that singing live on set meant “there’s going to be a lot of wind in your air pipes. Is that okay?” He said the actors responded with confidence, saying, “Yeah. That’s what we do.”
Based on the blockbuster Broadway musical of the same name, “Wicked” is a prequel to “The Wizard of Oz...
- 3/21/2024
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
When audiences see Wicked on the big screen, director Jon M. Chu promises to expect live vocals.
In a preview with Vanity Fair, the director shared that both Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo insisted on singing live during the production. Grande stars as Glinda, opposite Erivo’s Elphaba in the film.
“These are live vocals,” Chu said. “When we were shooting it, those girls were like, ‘Fuck the pre-records. We’re going live.’ ”
Despite feeling skeptical and questioning the decision (“There’s going to be a lot of wind in your air pipes. Is that okay?” he recalled asking), Chu said the stars “didn’t miss a beat” and said, “Yeah. That’s what we do.”
While performing “Defying Gravity,” Erivo “had a harness pulling and pushing and yanking and tugging on every nook and cranny that there is,” Grande described. Meanwhile, Erivo said of Grande: “I’m literally never...
In a preview with Vanity Fair, the director shared that both Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo insisted on singing live during the production. Grande stars as Glinda, opposite Erivo’s Elphaba in the film.
“These are live vocals,” Chu said. “When we were shooting it, those girls were like, ‘Fuck the pre-records. We’re going live.’ ”
Despite feeling skeptical and questioning the decision (“There’s going to be a lot of wind in your air pipes. Is that okay?” he recalled asking), Chu said the stars “didn’t miss a beat” and said, “Yeah. That’s what we do.”
While performing “Defying Gravity,” Erivo “had a harness pulling and pushing and yanking and tugging on every nook and cranny that there is,” Grande described. Meanwhile, Erivo said of Grande: “I’m literally never...
- 3/21/2024
- by Lexy Perez
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Broadway musical Wicked will be getting its cinematic adaptation this year. The musical has been divided into two parts, with Part One set to be released on November 27, 2024. It stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo in the lead roles, playing Galinda Upland and Elphaba Thropp respectively. The story acts as a prequel to The Wizard of Oz.
Director Jon M. Chu mentioned that the actresses got along really well on set. He said that he chose to not depend on excessive CGI and wanted actual sets. Chu also said that the two were extremely committed to their roles, with the actresses going as far as delivering live vocals while filming instead of the usual practice of lip-syncing to pre-recorded songs.
Ariana Grande ‘Stalked’ Producer Marc Platt To Bag The Role In Wicked A still from Wicked
The stage musical Wicked was a national phenomenon upon release, propelling lead actor Idina Menzel to stardom.
Director Jon M. Chu mentioned that the actresses got along really well on set. He said that he chose to not depend on excessive CGI and wanted actual sets. Chu also said that the two were extremely committed to their roles, with the actresses going as far as delivering live vocals while filming instead of the usual practice of lip-syncing to pre-recorded songs.
Ariana Grande ‘Stalked’ Producer Marc Platt To Bag The Role In Wicked A still from Wicked
The stage musical Wicked was a national phenomenon upon release, propelling lead actor Idina Menzel to stardom.
- 3/21/2024
- by Nishanth A
- FandomWire
We have our first professional photos of the leads of the Wicked movie, including Ariana Grande as Glinda, Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, and Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard (all courtesy of Vanity Fair!)
The cast and director, Jon M. Chu, also sat down for a brief interview.
We learned some fun tidbits about the movie, including that Cynthia and Ariana sing the famed musical’s songs live in the film!
Keep reading to find out more…
Jon shared, “These are live vocals. When we were shooting it, those girls were like, ‘F-ck the pre-records. We’re going live.’”
He recalls asking, “There’s going to be a lot of wind in your air pipes. Is that okay?” They both responded yes!
About their auditions, Ariana said she had been wanting the role for years. She said, “It was literally 10 years of being like, ‘Knock, knock,...
The cast and director, Jon M. Chu, also sat down for a brief interview.
We learned some fun tidbits about the movie, including that Cynthia and Ariana sing the famed musical’s songs live in the film!
Keep reading to find out more…
Jon shared, “These are live vocals. When we were shooting it, those girls were like, ‘F-ck the pre-records. We’re going live.’”
He recalls asking, “There’s going to be a lot of wind in your air pipes. Is that okay?” They both responded yes!
About their auditions, Ariana said she had been wanting the role for years. She said, “It was literally 10 years of being like, ‘Knock, knock,...
- 3/21/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Start counting down the days until Coogler’s next film – said to be a period vampire movie starring Michael B Jordan – arrives in cinemas. It’s out in 2025.
Ryan Coogler is one of the most talented filmmakers working in Hollywood today, so the news that he’s returning to direct an original project was especially welcome given he’s spent the last decade producing – the only movies he’s directed since 2015 are Creed and his brace of Black Panther films for Marvel.
While Coogler undoubtedly elevated each of those films beyond the sum of their parts, the thought of him returning to original storytelling for the first time since Fruitvale Station, his 2013 feature debut, is an exciting prospect indeed – doubly so since he’ll also be collaborating once again with that film’s star, Michael B Jordan.
While the project is shrouded in secrecy, we’ve heard reports that the...
Ryan Coogler is one of the most talented filmmakers working in Hollywood today, so the news that he’s returning to direct an original project was especially welcome given he’s spent the last decade producing – the only movies he’s directed since 2015 are Creed and his brace of Black Panther films for Marvel.
While Coogler undoubtedly elevated each of those films beyond the sum of their parts, the thought of him returning to original storytelling for the first time since Fruitvale Station, his 2013 feature debut, is an exciting prospect indeed – doubly so since he’ll also be collaborating once again with that film’s star, Michael B Jordan.
While the project is shrouded in secrecy, we’ve heard reports that the...
- 3/20/2024
- by Dan Cooper
- Film Stories
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