Jon M. Chu to Bring Dr. Seuss’ Final Book to Life in Exciting New Movie!

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Jon M. Chu, whose movie “Wicked” has been nominated for 10 Academy Awards, is preparing to bring Dr. Seuss’ last book, “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!”, to life on the big screen. Warner Bros. Pictures Animation is creating this film, which will be co-directed by Chu and Jil Culton (Open Season, Abominable), and is planned for release in cinemas in March 2028. The story will serve as the foundation for an animated musical that journeys around the world and follows a young adventurer’s journey through life’s ups and downs, sorrows and triumphs. Rob Lieber from “Peter Rabbit” is adapting the screenplay, while EGOT winners Benj Paske and Justin Paul are composing the songs. J.J. Abrams and Gregg Taylor for Bad Robot are producing the film.

The new feature represents the fifth unique film adaptation of Dr. Seuss’s works, starting with Jim Carrey’s beloved Christmas tale “How The Grinch Stole Christmas” (2000), followed by Mike Myers’ “The Cat in the Hat” (2003), another Jim Carrey production “Horton Hears a Who!” (2008), and Zac Efron and Danny DeVito-starring “The Lorax” (2012). The Grinch was reimagined in 2018 with Benedict Cumberbatch lending his voice, and Warner Bros. Pictures Animation has planned for the release of animated movies based on Dr. Seuss books “Thing One and Thing Two” and “The Cat in the Hat” in 2026, featuring Bill Hader as the voice of the title character.

Following its remarkable success as the top-grossing movie adaptation of a Broadway musical globally, earning over $634 million in worldwide sales, “Chu” is now basking in the glow of this triumph. The film received a total of 10 Oscar nominations, with Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba) and Ariana Grande (Glinda) being recognized for their leading and supporting acting roles respectively. Other nominations include Best Picture, Best Production Design, and Best Hair & Makeup. Regrettably, Chu himself did not receive a nomination, a fact that has left the cast feeling rather disheartened.

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[Related: Wicked Review: One of 2024’s Most Entertaining Blockbusters]

To Variety, Erivo expressed her puzzlement over her director’s omission, emphasizing his significant role in the two-part production of Wicked and his meticulous approach to details. “I’m not sure,” she said, expressing a wish that people realized the immense effort required to create a large-scale production like Wicked, as she shared with the trade.

Nothing we’re doing would be feasible without his insight. It’s simply not an option. He is the one who discerns the right individuals for these parts, who requested a sea of nine million tulips, who insists on constructing a genuine set so it feels authentic, immersed in reality. It’s him! He desires the camera to be up close with Elphaba when she walks down the steps in the Ozdust Ballroom. There is a unique kind of foresight required to maintain control over something that could easily escape if you don’t know how to handle it.

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In summary, at the final meeting for “Wicked,” the leader expressed his admiration for Chu’s directing abilities and the talent of his department heads. However, this is not the first time that Chu’s direction has been disregarded. The recent snub serves as a harsh reminder that Chu’s direction of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Broadway Musical “In the Heights” was also overlooked by the Academy in 2022, despite earning 13 Tony nominations and winning four awards.

Moving ahead, it appears appropriate for the lively Chu to take charge of the forthcoming Dr. Seuss tale. Just like the protagonist and the director, they’ll traverse the highs and lows of life – where their paths will lead is anyone’s guess!

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2025-01-28 20:40