Wikipedia

Jon M. Chu

"Jon Chu" redirects here. For other people with similar names, seeJonathan Chu.

Jonathan Murray Chu(born November 2, 1979)[3]is an American film director, producer, and screenwriter. He is known for directing the romantic comedyCrazy Rich Asians(2018) and the musical fantasyWicked(2024), the former being one of the first films by amajor Hollywood studioto feature a majority cast of Asian descent.[4]For his direction forWicked,Chu won theNational Board of Review Award for Best Director&Critics’ Choice Award for Best Director.

Jon M. Chu
Chu in March 2013
Born
Jonathan Murray Chu

(1979-11-02)November 2, 1979(age 45)
Palo Alto, California,U.S.
EducationUniversity of Southern California(BFA)
Occupations
  • Film director
  • film producer
  • screenwriter
Years active2001–present
Spouse
Kristin Hodge
​
(m.2018)​
Children5[1][2]

An alumnus of theUSC School of Cinematic Arts,other films he has directed often include musical elements, including the dance filmsStep Up 2: The Streets(2008) andStep Up 3D(2010), the musicalsJem and the Holograms(2015) andIn the Heights(2021),[5][6]as well as the live concert filmsJustin Bieber: Never Say Never(2011) andJustin Bieber's Believe(2013).

Early life and education

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Chu was born inPalo Alto, California,and grew up in nearbyLos Altos.His mother, Ruth Chu, was born in Taiwan; his father, Lawrence Chu, was born inSichuan,China.[7][8][9]His family owns the restaurant Chef Chu's. He is the youngest of five children.[10]He began making movies in fifth grade, when his mother gave him a video camera to document their family vacations. Chu instead began making home movies starring his siblings.[11][12]

Chu attendedPinewood Schoolfrom kindergarten through 12th grade.[13]He obtained aBachelor of Fine Artsin film and television production from theUniversity of Southern Californiain 2003,[10]where he was a member of theSigma Phi Epsilonfraternity. He won thePrincess GraceAward, the Kodak Student Filmmaker Award,[14]theDore ScharyAward presented by theAnti-Defamation League,theJack Nicholsondirecting award, and was recognized as an honoree for the IFP/West programProject: Involve.[citation needed]

Career

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After making his student short,When the Kids Are Away,Chu was signed toWilliam Morris Agencyand attached to several high-profile projects. Chu was hired bySony Picturesto direct a contemporary,hip hop–inspired adaptation of the stage musicalBye Bye Birdie.[15]However, Sony did not greenlight the film due to budget concerns.[16]Sony re-hired Chu to direct their updated version ofThe Great Gatsby,[16]which did not pan out as the project was purchased byWarner Bros. Picturesfor their2013 film.

Chu directedStep Up 2: The Streets[17]in 2008. In 2010 he created, co-directed, and co-producedThe Legion of Extraordinary Dancers[18]a web series featuring various types of dance. Chu saysLXDwas inspired byMichael Jackson's "Thriller"and"Smooth Criminal"music videosand by the dancers he met while filming the movieStep Up 2 the Streets.In 2011 Chu directedJustin Bieber: Never Say Never[19]a American3-Dconcert film.

During this period Chu had a dance crew called AC/DC or Adam/Chu Dance crew. In an interview, Chu addressed a question he is often asked, "Why do all of your films have dance?" He responded, "I don't know why. It seems so obvious. But there's something about the dancers that motivate me the most. I don't know if it's just dance, but I do think that the dancers are amazing artists, and every time I meet a new dancer, that triggers something in my brain, and I'm more creative than I could ever be. When I feel that creativity burst, I go with it."[20]

In 2013, Chu was awarded the Visionary Award byEast West Players(EWP), the longest-running theater of color in the United States, for his contributions to theAsian Pacific American(APA) community. In an online Q&A, Chu revealed that he had attended EWP's productions as a child and was excited "to push boundaries with them in the future."[21]

In 2013, Chu directed a pre-flight safety video forVirgin America.The video was structured like a musical number that incorporated multiple styles and high-energy dance.[22]The video was played before flights through 2018, when Virgin America was folded intoAlaska Airlines.

Chu directedCrazy Rich Asians,which was the highest-grossing film over the August 17, 2018, weekend, earned over $35M at the US box office during its first five days,[23]and received a 93% rating fromRotten Tomatoes.Within a week of the film's release,Varietyreported that a sequel was already in development by Warner Bros. with Chu scheduled to direct.[24]Director Chu is part of Rachel Chu's familyin the book,as a distant cousin.[25]

Chu directedIn the Heights,based on theBroadway musical of the same name,forWarner Bros. Pictures.It was previously set for a June 26, 2020, release, though it was delayed due to theCOVID-19 pandemic.The film was released on June 10, 2021.[26][27][28][29]

In October 2020, it was announced that Chu would be directing the pilot for theDisney+seriesWillow,based onthe film of the same name,withWarwick Davisreturning as the title character.[30][31]The following month, Chu entered talks with Disney to direct alive-action adaptation ofLilo & Stitch,[32]which he ultimately passed on due to other obligations.

In January 2021, Chu left directorial duties onWillowdue to production delays and personal reasons with the birth of his next child.[33]The following month, it was announced that Chu would direct the two-part film adaptation ofWickedforUniversal Pictures,with both parts set for November 2024 and 2025 releases.[34][35]

In January 2024, Chu along with his production company Electric company, signed a first look film deal withWarner Bros. Pictures,where he’ll direct both original and franchise films for the studio.

Upcoming projects

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Chu will direct an adaptation ofDr. Seuss'sOh, The Places You'll Go!,produced by theWarner Animation GroupalongsideDr. Seuss EnterprisesandBad Robot Productions.[36]

In March 2022, it was announced that Chu would be producing (and possibly directing) an animated film based on the children's modeling compoundPlay-Doh.It will be produced byEntertainment OneandHasbro.[37][38]

In April 2023, it was revealed that Chu will direct and co-produce a feature film adaptation ofAndrew Lloyd WebberandTim Rice's musicalJoseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,a passion project he had been hoping to make for some time, forAmazon MGM Studiosand theReally Useful Group.It will be produced byScott Sandersand Mara Jacobs, reuniting with Chu after working with him onIn the Heights.[39]

In August 2024, it was announced that Chu will direct the film adaptation of theBritney SpearsbiographyThe Woman in Mefor Universal, re-teaming withWickedproducerMarc Platton the project.[40]

Personal life

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Chu and graphic designer Kristin Hodge married on July 27, 2018, inSt. Helena, California.[41][42]Their daughter, Willow, was born in 2017; she is named after the 1988 fantasy filmWillow.[43]Their son, Jonathan Heights, was born in 2019. His middle name comes from the film,In the Heights,which Chu was in the middle of directing at the time.[44]Their other children are daughter Ruby, son Iggy, and daughter Stevie Sky.[45][46][47][2]

Filmography

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Feature film

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Year Title Director Producer Ref.
2008 Step Up 2: The Streets Yes No
2010 Step Up 3D Yes No
2013 G.I. Joe: Retaliation Yes No
2015 Jem and the Holograms Yes Yes
2016 Now You See Me 2 Yes No
2018 Crazy Rich Asians Yes No
2021 In the Heights Yes No
2024 Wicked Yes No
2025 Wicked: For Good Yes No
2028 Oh, the Places You'll Go! Yes No

Short film

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Year Title Director Producer Writer Cinematographer Notes Ref.
2001 Silent Beats Yes Yes Yes No Also sound and production designer
2002 When the Kids Are Away Yes Yes Yes No
2002 Gwai Lo: The Little Foreigner Yes No No No
2002 Killing Babies No No No Yes
2018 Somewhere No No No Yes

Producer

Executive producer

Documentary film

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Television

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Year Title Director Executive
Producer 		Writer Notes Ref.
2010–2011 The Legion of Extraordinary Dancers Yes Yes Yes Creator;
Also editor
2019 Ken Jeong: You Complete Me, Ho Yes Yes No TV special
2019–2024 Good Trouble Yes Yes No Pilot
2020–2021 Home Before Dark Yes Yes No
2022 Thai Cave Rescue No Yes No [48]
2022 Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration No Yes No TV special
2023 The Company You Keep No Yes No

Awards

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Association Date of Ceremony Category Nominated work Result Ref.
Hollywood Critics Association Midseason Awards July 1, 2021 Best Filmmaker In the Heights Nominated [49]
National Board of Review December 4, 2024 Best Director Wicked Won [50]
The Astra Awards December 8, 2024 Best Director Won [51]
Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Association December 8, 2024 Best Director Nominated [52]
Michigan Movie Critics Guild December 9, 2024 Best Director Nominated [53]
Las Vegas Film Critics Society December 13, 2024 Best Director Nominated [54]
New York Film Critics Online December 16, 2024 Best Director Nominated [55]
TiBS Editors Choice Awards December 30, 2024 Best Director Won [56]
Critics Association Of Central Florida January 2, 2025 Best Director Runner-up [57]
Houston Film Critics Society January 14, 2025 Best Director Nominated [58]
Critics' Choice Movie Awards February 7, 2025 Best Director Won [59]
Online Film & Television Association February 23, 2025 Best Director Pending [60]
American Cinema Editors March 14, 2025 Golden Eddie Filmmaker of the Year — Won [61]

Books

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  • Chu, Jon M.; McCarter, Jeremy (2024).Viewfinder: A Memoir of Seeing and Being Seen(First (hardcover) ed.). New York: Random House.ISBN9780593448946.OCLC1427239374.Archivedfrom the original on 23 July 2024.Retrieved24 July2024.

References

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  1. ^Gariano, Francesca (November 10, 2024)."Director Jon M. Chu joins 'Wicked' premiere from hospital as wife gives birth to daughter".Today.NBCUniversal Media.RetrievedNovember 27,2024.Director Jon M. Chu is now a proud father of five!
  2. ^ab"Director Jon M. Chu Expecting Baby No. 5 with Wife Kristin Hodge, His Third During Creation of" Wicked ": 'Any Day Now'".30 October 2024.
  3. ^Chu, Jon M. [@jonmchu] (2014-11-02)."Please dont wish me a happy 35th birthday today! Just help me reach my goal by..."(Tweet).Archivedfrom the original on April 23, 2020.Retrieved2020-04-22– viaTwitter.
  4. ^Ho, Karen K. (August 15, 2018)."'Crazy Rich Asians' Is Going to Change Hollywood. It's About Time ".Time.Retrieved2020-05-05.
  5. ^Dayrit, Jay Ruben (July 23, 2024)."For the Director of Wicked, There's No Place Like Silicon Valley".Wired.Retrieved2024-10-31.
  6. ^D'Alessandro, Anthony (December 4, 2024)."'Wicked' Casts Spell Over National Board Of Review, Counts Three Awards Including Best Film ".Deadline.RetrievedDecember 4,2024.
  7. ^Yamato, Jen (August 10, 2018)."'Crazy Rich Asians': Director Jon M. Chu hopes to inspire other storytellers, open Hollywood's doors ".Los Angeles Times.My mom's from Taiwan. My dad's from mainland China. They came over when they were 19, 20 years old.
  8. ^Yang, Jeff (September 10, 2018)."The legendary Silicon Valley restaurant behind Crazy Rich Asians".Inkstone News.Retrieved15 October2018.
  9. ^"Lawrence Chu and Chef Chu's – Los Altos, CA".Great Chefs.
  10. ^ab"USC Alumni Association | Jon M. Chu '03".Retrieved2019-11-14.
  11. ^"USC Alumni Association | Jon M. Chu '03".Retrieved2021-09-23.
  12. ^Sze, Kristen (3 August 2018)."'Crazy Rich Asians' director grew up around dad's world-famous Bay Area Chinese restaurant ".
  13. ^"Pinewood Alum Jon Chu Debuts in Movie Theaters Everywhere".Pinewood School.Archived fromthe originalon November 21, 2015.RetrievedNovember 21,2015.
  14. ^"'The Legion of Extraordinary Dancers' Creator Jon M. Chu to Receive Pioneer Prize at International Digital Emmy® Awards at MIPTV 2011 "(Press release).Business Wire.2011-02-17.Retrieved2021-09-23.
  15. ^Snyder, Gabriel (August 11, 2003)."Col, Red Wagon nesting 'Birdie'".Variety.RetrievedDecember 16,2024.
  16. ^abHalbfinger, David (February 18, 2008)."Director's Reward: A Second First Chance".The New York Times.RetrievedAugust 11,2010.
  17. ^"Step Up 2: The Streets",Wikipedia,2025-01-02,retrieved2025-01-15
  18. ^"The Legion of Extraordinary Dancers",Wikipedia,2024-12-13,retrieved2025-01-15
  19. ^"Justin Bieber: Never Say Never",Wikipedia,2024-12-21,retrieved2025-01-15
  20. ^Close, Jordan (2010-09-15)."Filmmaker" Born from a Boombox ": An interview with Jon M. Chu".Asia Pacific Arts.Archived fromthe originalon 2021-12-03.Retrieved2021-09-22.
  21. ^"Jon M. Chu | East West Players tells all".Retrieved2019-07-23.
  22. ^Graser, Marc (29 October 2013)."Virgin America Turns Pre-Flight Safety Videos into Entertainment".Variety.Retrieved18 October2023.
  23. ^McClintock, Pamela (19 August 2018)."Weekend Box Office: 'Crazy Rich Asians' Wins With $26.5M for $35M Five-Day Launch".The Hollywood Reporter.Retrieved20 August2018.
  24. ^Rubin, Rebecca (2018-08-22)."'Crazy Rich Asians' Sequel in Works With Jon M. Chu to Direct ".Variety.Retrieved2018-08-22.
  25. ^Guerrasio, Jason (15 August 2018)."How the director of 'Crazy Rich Asians' found redemption after a string of uninspiring studio movies".Business Insider.
  26. ^D'Alessandro, Anthony (April 21, 2020)."'In The Heights' Dances Into Summer 2021 ".Deadline Hollywood.RetrievedApril 21,2020.
  27. ^McNary, Dave (June 7, 2018)."Lin-Manuel Miranda's 'In the Heights' Sets Summer 2020 Release".Variety.RetrievedJanuary 2,2019.
  28. ^Galuppo, Mia (May 17, 2018)."Lin-Manuel Miranda's 'In the Heights' Lands at Warner Bros".The Hollywood Reporter.RetrievedJanuary 2,2019.
  29. ^Galuppo, Mia (March 24, 2020)."Warner Bros. Delays Release of 'In the Heights,' 'Scoob!' Due to Coronavirus".The Hollywood Reporter.RetrievedMarch 24,2020.
  30. ^"Jon M Chu To Direct Lucasfilm's Willow Series for Disney".Lucasfilm.October 20, 2020. Archived fromthe originalon November 24, 2020.RetrievedOctober 20,2020.
  31. ^Thorne, Will (2020-10-20)."'Willow' Sequel Series Officially a Go at Disney Plus, Jon M. Chu to Direct ".Variety.Retrieved2020-10-20.
  32. ^Kit, Borys (November 13, 2020)."Jon M. Chu in Talks to Direct Live-Action 'Lilo & Stitch' Movie (Exclusive)".The Hollywood Reporter.RetrievedNovember 13,2020.
  33. ^Ridgely, Charlie (11 January 2021)."Jon M. Chu Steps Away From Directing Disney's Willow".ComicBook.com.Retrieved2021-01-11.
  34. ^Galuppo, Mia (February 2, 2021)."Jon M. Chu Set to Direct 'Wicked' Musical".The Hollywood Reporter.RetrievedFebruary 2,2021.
  35. ^D'Alessandro, Anthony (April 26, 2022)."Universal Releasing 'Wicked' Musical In Two Parts".Deadline.RetrievedApril 26,2022.
  36. ^"Jon M. Chu Tapped To Direct Adaptation of Dr. Seuss' 'Oh, The Places You'll Go!' For Warner Bros Animation Group And Dr. Seuss Enterprises; Bad Robot Producing".Deadline.2021-11-11.Retrieved2021-11-11.
  37. ^Jackson, Angelique (2022-03-17)."Play-Doh Animated Movie in the Works from Emily V. Gordon and Jon M. Chu".Variety.Retrieved2022-03-19.
  38. ^D'Alessandro, Anthony (2022-03-17)."'Play-Doh': Emily V. Gordon to Write, Jon M. Chu Circling to Direct Animated Pic for eOne & Hasbro About Colorful Clay ".Deadline.Retrieved2022-03-19.
  39. ^"'Wicked' Filmmaker Jon M. Chu to Direct Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat' for Amazon Studios ".12 April 2023.
  40. ^Frank, Matthew."Exclusive: Britney Spears' Biopic Lands at Universal in Massive Deal".theankler.com.Retrieved2024-08-01.
  41. ^"Meadowood Napa Valley Wedding".Brandon Bibbins Photography.Retrieved2024-11-20.
  42. ^""Crazy Rich Asians" Director Marries His Dream Girl At An Inspired Garden Feté ".Style Me Pretty.Retrieved2024-11-20.
  43. ^Barsanti, Sam (October 20, 2020)."Disney+ orders Willow sequel series from Jon M. Chu, with Warwick Davis returning".Yahoo! Sports.The A.V. Club.Archived fromthe originalon October 22, 2020.RetrievedOctober 20,2020.
  44. ^D'Zurilla, Christie (January 6, 2020)."'Crazy Rich Asians' director has the sweetest reaction to Awkwafina's Globes win ".Los Angeles Times.RetrievedOctober 20,2020.
  45. ^"'Wicked' Director Jon M. Chu Has Baby #5 on the Way: 'Could Come Any Day' (Exclusive) ".
  46. ^"Director Jon M. Chu reveals the special reason why he missed the LA premiere of 'Wicked'".10 November 2024.
  47. ^"Jon M. Chu Attended 'Wicked' Q&A Moderated by Lee Daniels While His Wife Was in Labor".14 November 2024.
  48. ^Kroll, Justin (2019-04-30)."Jon M. Chu, Nattawut Poonpiriya Join Netflix's Thai Cave Rescue Project".Variety.Retrieved2025-01-21.
  49. ^Menzel, Scott (July 2, 2021)."'In The Heights' Wins Best Picture At The HCA Midseason Awards ".Hollywood Critics Association.RetrievedJuly 22,2021.
  50. ^Davis, Clayton (2024-12-04)."'Wicked' Named Best Picture by National Board of Review, Daniel Craig and Nicole Kidman Among Acting Winners ".Variety.Retrieved2025-02-08.
  51. ^"'Wicked' Leads Nominations for Astra Film Awards ".November 25, 2024.RetrievedNovember 25,2024.
  52. ^"The 2024 Washington DC Area Film Critics Association (WAFCA) Nominations".Next Best Picture.2024-12-06.Retrieved2024-12-08.
  53. ^"Michigan Movie Critics Guild Announces Winners for the Best of 2024".Michigan Movie Critics Guild.2024-12-09.Retrieved2024-12-09.
  54. ^"The 2024 Las Vegas Film Critics Society (LVFCS) Nominations".Next Best Picture.2024-12-09.Retrieved2024-12-09.
  55. ^"The 2024 New York Film Critics Online (NYFCO) Nominations".Next Best Picture.2024-12-09.Retrieved2024-12-09.
  56. ^"TiBS 2024 Editors Choice Awards in Film Announced".www.threeifbyspace.net.2024-12-30.Retrieved2024-12-31.
  57. ^Neglia, Matt (2025-01-02)."The 2024 Critics Association Of Central Florida (CACF) Winners".Next Best Picture.Retrieved2025-01-02.
  58. ^Neglia, Matt (2025-01-14)."The 2024 Houston Film Critics Society (HFCS) Winners".Next Best Picture.Retrieved2025-01-14.
  59. ^"FILM NOMINATIONS ANNOUNCED FOR THE 30TH ANNUAL CRITICS CHOICE AWARDS HOSTED BY CHELSEA HANDLER – Critics Choice Awards".Retrieved2024-12-12.
  60. ^Neglia, Matt (2025-02-02)."The 2024 Online Film & Television Association (OFTA) Nominations".Next Best Picture.Retrieved2025-02-02.
  61. ^Verhoeven, Beatrice (2024-10-28)."Jon M. Chu to Receive American Cinema Editors' Golden Eddie Filmmaker of the Year Award".The Hollywood Reporter.Retrieved2024-11-03.
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