Wicked Director Reveals Surprising Phone Call From Star Wars Creator George Lucas

As a cinephile who has witnessed the evolution of cinema from the black-and-white era to the age of digital magic, receiving praise from none other than George Lucas is akin to hearing the sweetest symphony ever composed. It’s like being handed the script for the next Star Wars installment by the master himself!

Getting a call from George Lucas isn’t something that happens to everyone. With Wicked smashing records and filling up theaters, it’s no surprise the movie’s success keeps climbing; but getting praise from someone who created one of the most iconic franchises in pop culture is proof the hard work paid off. Director Jon M. Chu was that lucky guy, and he shared more about it with CBS, saying it happened over a FaceTime call with the Star Wars creator. Lucas seems to have been really impressed with Wicked, especially the way the entire universe was adapted for the big screen.

Direct quote from Justin Lin, director: “I’ve never personally met George Lucas or spoken with him. However, we both attended USC, and I received an unexpected call from him this past week. He was at the mall after watching [Wicked] when he called me. We had a FaceTime conversation, and he couldn’t have been more gracious. He acknowledged that he makes movies, to which I affirmed, and he shared his understanding of the challenges in bringing it all together.” Lin also mentioned how rewarding it is to have such creative leaders backing a project like this.

The musical film adaptation of “Wicked” currently holds the title for the highest-grossing Broadway production in the U.S. It has garnered widespread acclaim not only for its exceptional acting performances but also for its breathtaking scenery. As stated by director Jon M. Chu, Lucas was particularly captivated by the intricate design of the sets that brought Oz to vibrant life. Unlike many contemporary productions, Chu opted to construct the entire exterior with minimal reliance on additional CGI, aiming to deepen the audience’s engagement and pay tribute to the theatrical musical tradition. An impressive nine million real tulips were planted, a 60-ton train was utilized, and the iconic yellow bricks are genuine. Even the circular components of the library, showcased in the memorable “Dancing Through Life” scene with Jonathan Bailey, were crafted without any digital enhancements.

In addition to acclaim from other industry giants, the director of “Wicked” was particularly touched by recognition from George Lucas, someone he hadn’t met before. Known for his groundbreaking work in visual effects, Lucas is renowned as the creator of the “Star Wars” franchise, which has gained fame over time. This acknowledgement fills Chu with joy and a sense of validation, confirming that he’s moving in the right direction.

During the interview, Chu additionally underscored that his choice to reinterpret “Wicked” at this time was driven by a desire for it to resonate with a new audience. It’s not unexpected that he also sought out up-and-coming talents for the roles. Moreover, what appears to have been particularly gratifying for him is the positive response from the public and their emotional engagement with the narrative. Given the initial aim, this response has certainly been achieved. Chu expressed, “I believe we all feel a bit detached from the ordinary, and Cynthia [Erivo]’s portrayal taps into that feeling, demonstrating that we can indeed rise above. That’s quite impactful.

Wicked is currently in theaters, with part two set to be released at the end of 2025.

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2024-12-23 07:10