Jon M. Chu Signs Exclusive Film and TV Deal with Paramount

Director Jon M. Chu, known for his blockbuster work on musicals, has officially moved his production operations to Paramount. The filmmaker has signed a three-year first-look agreement with Paramount Skydance, led by David Ellison.

Previously, Chu and his production company, Electric Somewhere, had a partnership with Warner Bros., where he delivered hits like Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights. Most recently, he directed the Universal musical phenomenon Wicked: For Good.

Chu now joins a distinguished lineup at Paramount Skydance, which includes creators such as Matt and Ross Duffer, James Mangold, and Will Smith. His new deal officially begins on January 2, 2026. Under this agreement, Chu and his team will operate from the Paramount lot and collaborate closely with Paramount Pictures co-chairs Dana Goldberg and Josh Greenstein, Motion Picture Group president Don Granger, and Paramount Television Studios president Matt Thunell.

The announcement coincides with the continued success of Wicked: For Good at the box office. The original film, featuring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, grossed $700 million worldwide, while the sequel has already earned $270.4 million domestically and $393.3 million globally within two weeks. The series continues to attract awards attention, with the first installment winning 2 Oscars out of 10 nominations, including Best Picture, and being named one of the National Board of Reviews top 10 films.

Chus upcoming slate includes directing the Britney Spears biopic at Universal, a live-action Hot Wheels movie at Warner Bros., and an animated adaptation of Dr. Seusss Oh, the Places Youll Go, starring Ariana Grande and Josh Gad. He is also set to direct a new stage-to-screen musical, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

Chu is represented by UTA, Artists First, and the law firm Goodman, Genow, Schenkman, Smelkinson & Christopher, LLP, along with ID PR handling publicity.

Author's Analysis: Jon M. Chu's Strategic Move to Paramount

Director Jon M. Chu's transition from Warner Bros. to Paramount Skydance marks a significant strategic shift in his career. The three-year first-look deal positions Chu within a studio known for blending blockbuster franchises with high-profile creative talent.

Chu's prior successes, including Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights, as well as the recent musical phenomenon Wicked: For Good, demonstrate his capacity to deliver both commercial and critical hits. This track record provides Paramount with a reliable creative force in musicals and large-scale productions.

Operating from the Paramount lot and collaborating with top executives like Dana Goldberg, Josh Greenstein, Don Granger, and Matt Thunell, Chu is likely to have streamlined access to resources and strategic guidance. His upcoming projects, including the Britney Spears biopic, a live-action Hot Wheels film, and an animated Dr. Seuss adaptation, indicate a diverse slate that leverages his strengths across genres and platforms.

Chu's move reflects broader industry trends where studios actively secure proven directors through first-look deals, ensuring both creative alignment and financial predictability. Paramount Skydance’s growing portfolio, now including Chu alongside creators like Matt and Ross Duffer and James Mangold, strengthens its position in both film and television markets.

Sources:

• Jon M. Chu Moves First-Look Film and TV Deal to Paramount