Why Jon M. Chu, Director of Wicked Movies, Would Be Perfect for Star Wars

I’m Sold, Wicked: For Good’s Jon M. Chu Needs To Direct A Star Wars Movie Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo posing with Jon M Chu on the set of Wicked For GoodCredit: Giles Keyte / © Universal Pictures / Courtesy Everett Collection By  Kevin Erdmann Published 10 minutes ago Since 2019, Kevin Erdmann has been one of Screen Rant's Senior Staff Writers, covering all kinds of Superhero and Star Wars media with Easter egg breakdowns, theory pieces, breaking news, and more. A huge Star Wars & MCU fan, Kevin also loves Batman (because he's Batman), but could talk for hours about why Nightwing is DC's greatest hero.  With 8 years of total experience covering entertainment and pop culture, Kevin has gotten the chance to interview top creatives and talent, and has also attended major media events like Disney's D23 convention. Majoring in Cinema Studies with a minor in Comics and Cartoon Studies from the UofO, Kevin lives in Oregon with his wonderful wife, adorable dog, and sinister cat who is no doubt currently plotting his demise. Sign in to your ScreenRant account Summary Generate a summary of this story follow Follow followed Followed Like Like Thread Log in Here is a fact-based summary of the story contents: Try something different: Show me the facts Explain it like I’m 5 Give me a lighthearted recap

Thanks to the Wicked movies, Jon M. Chu has proven himself one of Hollywood’s most ambitious world-builders, and 2025's Wicked: For Good absolutely cements that reputation. The film blends the massive scale of a major musical with strong emotional focus and surprising thematic weight, exactly what big and successful franchise storytelling demands.

Because the Wicked movies are adapting beloved material while expanding the mythology to a degree, Chu has very much shown he can handle dense continuity without losing clarity. As such, I believe Jon M. Chu would be an ideal candidate to direct a future Star Wars movie.

How The Wicked Movies Prove Jon M. Chu Could Tackle A Star Wars Movie

Elphaba flying at yellow brick road in Wicked: For Good

Chu’s Wicked films absolutely demonstrate a mastery of balancing multiple source materials. He fuses the original stage show, Gregory Maguire’s original novels, and 1939's The Wizard of Oz with an impressive level of precision. That kind of intertextual control suggests he could similarly navigate the beast that is the overlapping, transmedia canon of Star Wars.

Every creative decision in Wicked: For Good feels deliberate and the result of passionate direction. That's something Lucasfilm could only use more of, especially with Star Wars' imminent return to theatrical releases, requiring directors who can honor canon without feeling constrained by it. Chu certainly seems to exemplify that exact balance through both Wicked movies.

Likewise, the Wicked movies also prove Chu can handle political narratives within a major fantasy setting. After all, Oz’s propaganda, public manipulation, and institutional corruption parallel many themes found in Star Wars. Chu presents these messages in the Wicked movies clearly without losing accessibility, a crucial skill for exploring similar conflicts within the galaxy far, far away.

Visually, Chu also clearly excels at providing major spectacle. Star Wars thrives when action enhances emotion and key thematic beats, something Chu demonstrates consistently in both Wicked: Part One and Wicked: For Good.

Wicked Shows Jon M. Chu Can Balance Mythic Stakes With Deeply Human Characters

Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) crying as she hugs Glinda (Ariana Grande) in Wicked: For GoodImage via Universal

Additionally, Chu’s focus on relationships is another strong argument for giving him a future Star Wars film. Elphaba and Glinda’s evolving bond shows Chu’s strength in long-form character development. Their emotional journey unfolds across both films with consistency and excellent emotional payoff by Wicked: For Good's ending.

With Star Wars possessing similar arcs and long-form relationships, Chu’s could easily elevate that storytelling format going forward with new projects.

Tonally, the Wicked movies also move between humor, tragedy, spectacle, and warmth without feeling disjointed. That flexibility mirrors Star Wars’ similar shifting tones, mixing mythic drama with lighter moments.

Obviously, handling iconic legacies is another core strength of Chu's. Star Wars needs filmmakers capable of respecting the past canon while innovating boldly. Clearly, Chu has already proven he can strike that perfect balance with Wicked. Star Wars could only benefit from Jon M. Chu's involvement.

Wicked: For Good is now playing in theaters.

18 8.9/10 8/10

Wicked: For Good

10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Like Follow Followed PG Drama Fantasy Romance Release Date November 21, 2025 Runtime 137 Minutes Director Jon M. Chu Writers Winnie Holzman, Dana Fox, Gregory Maguire Producers Marc Platt, David Stone 11 Images Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) with a thoughtful frown in Wicked: For GoodGlinda (Ariana Grande) smiling in Wicked: For GoodGlinda (Ariana Grande) putting on her crown in Wicked: For GoodFiyero (Jonathan Bailey) playing in a marching band in Wicked: For GoodGlinda (Ariana Grande) walking down the aisle surrounded by yellow butterflies in Wicked: For GoodFiyero (Jonathan Bailey) and Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) staring into each other’s eyes up close in Wicked: For GoodElphaba (Cynthia Erivo) flying on her broom in Wicked: For GoodWicked For Good Teaser ThumbnailGlinda (Ariana Grande) clutching a book to her chest in Wicked: For GoodGlinda (Ariana Grande) floating inside a shimmering bubble in Wicked: For GoodGlinda (Ariana Grande) looking thoughtful in Wicked: For GoodClose

Cast

See All

• Cynthia Erivo Elphaba
• Ariana Grande Glinda

Prequel(s) Wicked Genres Drama, Fantasy, Romance Powered by Expand Collapse

• Movies
• Wicked: For Good
• Star Wars

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