Acclaimed filmmaker Jon M. Chu, director of the blockbuster musical “Wicked: For Good,” has signed a multi-year first-look film and television deal with Paramount Skydance, marking a major move in his already influential Hollywood career. The agreement begins on January 2, transitioning Chu and his Electric Somewhere production banner from their previous partnership at Warner Bros. to a new home at Paramount.
The deal positions Chu among a powerhouse lineup at Paramount Skydance, joining recent high-profile signees including the Duffer Brothers, James Mangold, and Will Smith. Under the agreement, Chu’s company will be headquartered on the Paramount lot, collaborating closely with key studio leaders such as Dana Goldberg and Josh Greenstein, co-chairs of Paramount Pictures, Don Granger, president of the Motion Picture Group, and Matt Thunell, president of Paramount Television Studios.
From “Crazy Rich Asians” to “Wicked”: A Blockbuster Track Record
Chu’s move comes amid massive success for “Wicked: For Good,” the follow-up to 2024’s hit adaptation of the iconic Broadway musical. The new film continues to smash expectations, breaking global box office records and earning strong awards momentum.
The first “Wicked” film became the highest-grossing movie adaptation of a Broadway musical in history, earning more than $756 million worldwide. Its sequel, released in November, set the record for the largest opening weekend ever for a film based on a stage musical and now ranks as the second-highest domestic opening of 2025. To date, “For Good” has grossed $393.3 million globally, with $270 million domestically and $122 million internationally.
On Wednesday, the film was named one of the National Board of Review’s Top 10 Films of the Year, adding to its strong awards-season presence.
A Busy Slate of Major Projects Ahead
Chu continues to expand into diverse genres and platforms. His upcoming projects include:
Britney Spears biopic at Universal
Hot Wheels live-action feature at Warner Bros.
Animated “Oh, the Places You’ll Go”, featuring Ariana Grande and Josh Gad
“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” musical adaptation
His past successes include “Crazy Rich Asians”, which was both a cultural touchstone and a box-office hit, along with “In the Heights” and multiple studio collaborations.
Strategic Move During Industry Shifts
The first-look agreement arrives during a moment of rapid industry realignment as studios compete aggressively for marquee filmmakers. For Paramount Skydance, securing Chu is a major strategic asset, particularly as the studio expands its theatrical and streaming-driven IP slate.
