Director of Wicked Teams Up with Paramount Following Two Hit Films at Universal

Jon M. Chus latest contract with Paramount is sparking discussion about the directors upcoming creative direction. After delivering two standout box office victories for Universal with Wicked and Wicked: For Good, Chu appears ready to expand his slate beyond the franchise.

Paramount has confirmed a three-year first-look producing partnership with Chu, set to launch on January 2, 2026. Under the deal, the filmmaker and his production banner, Electric Somewhere, will relocate to Paramounts studio headquarters, where they will begin shaping new television and film titles. The studio notes that Chu will collaborate closely with senior leadership, including Dana Goldberg, Josh Greenstein, Don Granger, and Matt Thunell.

Chu joins Paramount during a peak period in his career. His two-part adaptation of Wicked delivered historic results for Universal, with the 2024 release becoming the highest-earning Broadway musical adaptation ever at over $756 million globally. Its successor, Wicked: For Good, arrived in November 2025 and has already generated about $401 million worldwide in just its first two weeks.

This new contract follows the conclusion of Chus previous first-look deal with Warner Bros., though he remains attached to an active lineup of studio projects. A follow-up to Crazy Rich Asians continues in development after the original collected $239 million worldwide. At Warner Bros., Chu is set to direct a live-action Hot Wheels movie along with an animated take on Dr. Seuss Oh, the Places Youll Go! In addition, he is preparing to lead a biographical feature on Britney Spears for Universal.

Author: Logan Reeves