George Lucas Called ‘Wicked’ Director Jon M. Chu From the Mall Right After Seeing the Film to Share Praise: ‘I Know How Hard It Is to Pull It All Together’

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As a long-time admirer of both musicals and cinematic masterpieces, I must say that Jon M. Chu’s “Wicked” has truly taken my breath away. The accolades it has received, from the box office success to the critical acclaim, are well-deserved. It is not every day that a film legend like George Lucas reaches out to praise your work, but when it happens, it’s a testament to the magic you’ve created on screen.

Jon M. Chu, the director of “Wicked”, recently shared with CBS Mornings that George Lucas, famously known for directing “Star Wars”, had personally reached out to him in high praise for the hit movie musical. With its release just before Thanksgiving, “Wicked” has already garnered an impressive $571 million and growing at the global box office. It seems that Lucas is quite enamored with the production.

Chu stated that he was still at the mall, having just watched a movie. He added, ‘He couldn’t have been more gracious,’ expressing, ‘I can tell he appreciates the intricacies in that film. I understand how challenging it is to put everything together.’

In my perspective as a film critic, it’s truly heartening to witness such inspiring leadership in the films I review. Creative minds that not only take charge but also extend a helping hand, fostering a sense of unity. I must admit, I was unaware of such acts of kindness being portrayed on screen, and their humble acknowledgement of our shared endeavor is truly commendable.

Beyond being a blockbuster success, “Wicked” has also gained critical acclaim and is highly anticipated to secure an Oscar nomination for Best Picture in the upcoming year. Recently, the National Board of Review declared “Wicked” as the top film of the year and bestowed Chu with the award for Best Director. Both the movie and its stars, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, have been recognized with Golden Globe nominations.

It’s not just Lucas who’s enthusiastic about “Wicked.” Before its theater release, even the daughter of the original “Wizard of Oz” actress, Judy Garland, expressed her praise for the musical in a message to Erivo and Grande.

Lorna Luft declared this film to be simply amazing! She found it to be grand, intelligent, emotional, and truthful. “It is awe-inspiring to behold… the sets, costumes, makeup, acting, choreography, and the whole cinematic experience of the movie, met all my expectations,” Luft wrote. “I told the talented director Jon M. Chu that he had taken up the mantle, the broom, and the wand, and carried it on; and thanked him for expanding our family’s legacy.

The movie ‘Wicked’ is based on the Broadway musical of the same name, which has been running since 2003. It revolves around the budding friendship between the popular Glinda and the outcast Elphaba. The film features an impressive ensemble cast consisting of Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, Bowen Yang, and Jeff Goldblum.

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2024-12-23 20:16