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Consider This from NPR

With "Wicked," director Jon M. Chu writes his own story

Nov 12, 2024
Jon M. Chu, acclaimed director of Crazy Rich Asians, dives into his journey of bringing Wicked from stage to screen. He explores themes of identity and representation, particularly for people of color in Hollywood. Chu discusses the complex dynamics between heroes and villains in the story of Elphaba and Glinda, while reflecting on his own experiences growing up in Silicon Valley. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling in shaping cultural identity and his commitment to showcasing acceptance and belonging in his work.
12:50

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Quick takeaways

  • The film adaptation of Wicked reinterprets the classic story by exploring identity and questioning whether actions define wickedness or circumstances do.
  • Director Jon M. Chu emphasizes the importance of Asian representation in cinema, drawing from his personal experiences as a child of immigrants.

Deep dives

Wicked's Unique Perspective

The film adaptation of Wicked offers a fresh perspective by reinterpreting the classic Wizard of Oz story, flipping traditional roles of hero and villain. It explores the themes of identity and perception, questioning whether individuals are inherently wicked or if their circumstances shape their actions. The narrative focuses on Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, showing their complexities and the societal views that label one as evil. This new take invites audiences to empathize with characters that have been historically marginalized and misunderstood.

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