Jon M. Chu Makes First Look Agreement With Paramount

Jon M. Chu has secured a three-year first-look producing agreement with Paramount, under which he will develop and produce both feature films and television projects for the studio. This arrangement will commence on January 2, 2026.

As part of the deal, Chu and his production company will operate from Paramount's lot, collaborating closely with Paramount Pictures Co-Chairs Dana Goldberg and Josh Greenstein, Motion Picture Group President Don Granger, and Paramount Television Studios President Matt Thunell.

Chu recently directed Wicked: For Good, which premiered in November and achieved the largest global opening ever for a film based on a Broadway production, as well as the second-largest domestic box office debut of 2025. He also directed the first installment of the two-part adaptation of the original Wicked musical, released in 2024. That film became the highest-grossing Broadway musical adaptation worldwide, earning over $756 million and receiving broad critical acclaim.

Previously, Chu gained international recognition for directing Crazy Rich Asians, which became the top-grossing romantic comedy of its decade and marked a significant milestone for Asian and Asian American representation in Hollywood. The film was widely praised and earned multiple nominations from the Critics Choice Awards, SAG Awards, Golden Globes, and PGA.

Chu is represented by UTA, Artists First, and Goodman, Genow, Schenkman, Smelkinson & Christopher, LLP.

Jon M. Chu's New Partnership with Paramount: Key Insights

The announcement of Jon M. Chu’s new three-year first-look producing deal with Paramount is a strategic move that aligns with the studio’s goal of securing high-profile talent to produce a diverse slate of both films and television projects. Set to begin in January 2026, this collaboration marks a new chapter for Chu, known for his critical and commercial successes like *Crazy Rich Asians* and the *Wicked* franchise.

Under the terms of the deal, Chu and his production company will be stationed at Paramount's lot, providing direct access to the studio's key decision-makers, including Co-Chairs Dana Goldberg and Josh Greenstein, along with Motion Picture Group President Don Granger. This proximity will likely enhance the synergy between Chu's creative vision and the studio's production strategy, paving the way for potentially groundbreaking projects.

Chu’s recent success with *Wicked: For Good* showcases his ability to deliver blockbuster hits, setting records for the highest global opening for a Broadway adaptation and positioning the film as a major player in Hollywood’s expanding landscape of musical adaptations. Given his track record, Paramount’s investment in his creative leadership is a strong signal that the studio is betting on continued success in the realms of both big-budget films and television content.

As we look ahead, the deal holds promise not only for Chu’s creative future but also for Paramount’s position in the entertainment industry, as the studio seeks to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving market. With Chu at the helm, audiences can expect a wave of engaging, high-quality productions that could set new standards in both film and television.

Sources:

• Jon M. Chu Signs First Look Deal With Paramount

Author: Grace Ellison
Grace Ellison is a journalist focusing on environmental issues and sustainability. She has experience publishing international reports and participating in documentary projects.