Jon M. Chu

Early life and education

Chu was born in Palo Alto, California, and grew up in nearby Los Altos. His mother, Ruth Chu, was born in Taiwan; his father, Lawrence Chu, was born in Sichuan, China. His family owns the restaurant Chef Chu's. He is the youngest of five children. He began making movies in fifth grade, when his mother gave him a video camera to document their family vacations. Chu instead began making home movies starring his siblings.

Chu attended Pinewood School from kindergarten through 12th grade. He obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts in film and television production from the University of Southern California in 2003, where he was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. He won the Princess Grace Award, the Kodak Student Filmmaker Award, the Dore Schary Award presented by the Anti-Defamation League, the Jack Nicholson directing award, and was recognized as an honoree for the IFP/West program Project: Involve. In 2006, he launched a YouTube channel showcasing his early work and behind-the-scenes vlogs.

Career

After making his student short, When the Kids Are Away, Chu was signed to William Morris Agency and attached to several high-profile projects. Chu was hired by Sony Pictures to direct a contemporary, hip hop–inspired adaptation of the stage musical Bye Bye Birdie. However, Sony did not greenlight the film due to budget concerns. which did not pan out as the project was purchased by Warner Bros. Pictures for their 2013 film.

Chu directed Step Up 2: The Streets in 2008. In 2010, he created, co-directed, and co-produced The Legion of Extraordinary Dancers a web series featuring various types of dance. Chu says LXD was inspired by Michael Jackson's "Thriller" and "Smooth Criminal" music videos and by the dancers he met while filming the movie Step Up 2: The Streets. In 2011, Chu directed Justin Bieber: Never Say Never an American 3-D concert film.

During this period Chu had a dance crew called AC/DC or Adam Chu/Dance Crew. In an interview, Chu addressed a question he is often asked, "Why do all of your films have dance?" He responded, "I don't know why. It seems so obvious. But there's something about the dancers that motivate me the most. I don't know if it's just dance, but I do think that the dancers are amazing artists, and every time I meet a new dancer, that triggers something in my brain, and I'm more creative than I could ever be. When I feel that creativity burst, I go with it."

In 2013, Chu was awarded the Visionary Award by East West Players (EWP), the longest-running theater of color in the United States, for his contributions to the Asian Pacific American (APA) community. In an online Q&A, Chu revealed that he had attended EWP's productions as a child and was excited "to push boundaries with them in the future."

In 2013, Chu directed a pre-flight safety video for Virgin America. The video was structured like a musical number that incorporated multiple styles and high-energy dance. The video was played before flights through 2018, when Virgin America was folded into Alaska Airlines.

In 2014, Chu and his producing partner Hieu Ho sold to Focus Features a planned 1990s-set high school dance comedy called Can't Touch This. He was also said to be developing two projects for Lionsgate at that time; the horror project Run, and the magician sequel Now You See Me 2, the latter releasing in 2016. Chu was initially set to return as director for the third film in the franchise, but Ruben Fleischer took on the position instead.

Chu next directed Crazy Rich Asians, which was the highest-grossing film over the August 17, 2018, weekend, earned over $35M at the US box office during its first five days, and received a 93% rating from Rotten Tomatoes. Within a week of the film's release, Variety reported that a sequel was already in development by Warner Bros. with Chu scheduled to direct. Director Chu is part of Rachel Chu's family in the book, as a distant cousin.

In 2018, Hulu was developing a television series adaptation of The Wangs vs. the World, with author Jade Chang adapting and Chu directing should the script move to pilot. In 2019, Chu was said to be producing, and in talks to direct, a feature adaptation of Mary H. K. Choi's bestselling YA romance novel Permanent Record for Warner Bros.

Chu directed In the Heights, based on the Broadway musical of the same name, for Warner Bros. Pictures. It was previously set for a June 26, 2020, release, though it was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The film was released on June 10, 2021.

In October 2020, it was announced that Chu would be directing the pilot for the Disney+ series Willow, based on the film of the same name, with Warwick Davis returning as the title character. The following month, Chu entered talks with Disney to direct a live-action adaptation of Lilo & Stitch, which he ultimately passed on due to other obligations. It was also announced, in December, that he was developing a series remake of Swiss Family Robinson at Disney+.

In January 2021, Chu left directorial duties on Willow due to production delays and personal reasons with the birth of his next child. The following month, it was announced that Chu would direct the two-part film adaptation of Wicked for Universal Pictures, with both parts set for November 2024 and 2025 releases.

In January 2024, Chu along with his production company Electric Company, signed a first look film deal with Warner Bros. Pictures, where he'll direct both original and franchise films for the studio.

Upcoming projects

Chu will direct an adaptation of Dr. Seuss's Oh, The Places You'll Go!, produced by Warner Bros. Pictures Animation alongside Dr. Seuss Enterprises and Bad Robot Productions.

In February 2021, it was reported that Chu's next film would be The Great Chinese Art Heist, based on a GQ article by Alex W. Palmer. The film would explore a series of museum robberies in Europe where Chinese antiquities were stolen. In August, Jimmy O. Yang, Jessica Gao and Ken Cheng were tapped to write the adaptation for Chu to direct.

In March 2022, it was announced that Chu would be producing (and possibly directing) an animated film based on the children's modeling compound Play-Doh. It will be produced by Entertainment One and Hasbro.

In April 2023, it was revealed that Chu will direct and co-produce a feature film adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, a passion project he had been hoping to make for some time, for Amazon MGM Studios and the Really Useful Group. It will be produced by Scott Sanders and Mara Jacobs, reuniting with Chu after working with him on In the Heights.

In August 2024, it was announced that Chu will direct the film adaptation of Britney Spears' memoir The Woman in Me for Universal, re-teaming with Wicked producer Marc Platt on the project.

In April 2025, Chu became attached to direct the live action adaptation of the video game Split Fiction, with Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick writing the screenplay, Story Kitchen producing, and Sydney Sweeney cast in the lead role.

In July 2025, it was announced that the live-action Hot Wheels movie in development at Mattel and Warner Bros. would be moving forward with Chu set to direct, and Juel Taylor and Tony Rettenmaier writing the script.

Filmmaking style and influences

Chu is recognized for his high-energy visual style, often blending traditional cinematic techniques with modern digital aesthetics. His work frequently features vibrant color palettes and intricately choreographed camera movements that reflect his background in dance and musical theater. Critics have noted that his films, such as In the Heights and Crazy Rich Asians, often explore themes of cultural identity, family legacy, and the tension between tradition and modernity.

He has cited a variety of sources as influences on his filmmaking, including the work of Steven Spielberg and John Hughes, as well as Asian-American filmmakers such as Destin Daniel Cretton, Alice Wu, and Justin Lin. Chu has particularly mentioned Spielberg's E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) and classic musicals like Singin' in the Rain (1952) and The Sound of Music (1965) as foundational to his directing style.

Personal life

Chu and graphic designer Kristin Hodge married on July 27, 2018, in St. Helena, California. Their daughter, Willow, was born in 2017; she is named after the 1988 fantasy film Willow. Their son, Jonathan Heights, was born in 2019. His middle name comes from the film, In the Heights, which Chu was in the middle of directing at the time. Their other children are daughter Ruby, son Iggy, and daughter Stevie Sky.

Filmography

Short film

Feature film

Television

Awards

Books

References

References

1. (November 10, 2024). "Director Jon M. Chu joins 'Wicked' premiere from hospital as wife gives birth to daughter". NBCUniversal Media.
2. (30 October 2024). "Director Jon M. Chu Expecting Baby No. 5 with Wife Kristin Hodge, His Third During Creation of "Wicked": 'Any Day Now'".
3. Chu, Jon M.. (2014-11-02). "Please dont wish me a happy 35th birthday today! Just help me reach my goal by....".
4. Ho, Karen K.. (August 15, 2018). "'Crazy Rich Asians' Is Going to Change Hollywood. It's About Time".
5. Dayrit, Jay Ruben. (July 23, 2024). "For the Director of Wicked, There's No Place Like Silicon Valley".
6. D'Alessandro, Anthony. (December 4, 2024). "'Wicked' Casts Spell Over National Board Of Review, Counts Three Awards Including Best Film". Deadline.
7. Yamato, Jen. (August 10, 2018). "'Crazy Rich Asians': Director Jon M. Chu hopes to inspire other storytellers, open Hollywood's doors". [[Los Angeles Times]].
8. (September 10, 2018). "The legendary Silicon Valley restaurant behind Crazy Rich Asians".
9. "Lawrence Chu and Chef Chu's – Los Altos, CA".
10. "USC Alumni Association {{!}} Jon M. Chu '03".
11. "USC Alumni Association {{!}} Jon M. Chu '03".
12. (3 August 2018). "'Crazy Rich Asians' director grew up around dad's world-famous Bay Area Chinese restaurant".
13. "Pinewood Alum Jon Chu Debuts in Movie Theaters Everywhere". [[Pinewood School, Los Altos.
14. (2011-02-17). "'The Legion of Extraordinary Dancers' Creator Jon M. Chu to Receive Pioneer ...Prize at International Digital Emmy® Awards at MIPTV 2011". [[Business Wire]].
15. "Welcoming Jon M. Chu". Superprime.
16. Warren, Matt. (2023-01-30). "Introducing 30 New Project Involve Fellows to Ring in 30 Years of Film Independent Artist Development". Film Independent.
17. (2018-09-20). "Watch: The Early Work of 'Crazy Rich Asians' Director Jon M. Chu". No Film School.
18. Snyder, Gabriel. (August 11, 2003). "Col, Red Wagon nesting 'Birdie'". Variety.
19. Halbfinger, David. (February 18, 2008). "Director's Reward: A Second First Chance". The New York Times.
20. (2025-01-02). "Step Up 2: The Streets". Wikipedia.
21. (2024-12-13). "The Legion of Extraordinary Dancers". Wikipedia.
22. (2024-12-21). "Justin Bieber: Never Say Never". Wikipedia.
23. Close, Jordan. (2010-09-15). "Filmmaker "Born from a Boombox": An interview with Jon M. Chu".
24. "Jon M. Chu {{!}} East West Players tells all.".
25. (29 October 2013). "Virgin America Turns Pre-Flight Safety Videos into Entertainment". Variety.
26. Yamato, Jen. (November 17, 2014). "Jon M. Chu, Focus Features Step Up To ’90s-Set ‘Can’t Touch This’".
27. McNary, Dave. (April 18, 2016). "Jon M. Chu Returning to Direct 'Now You See Me 3' (EXCLUSIVE)".
28. McClintock, Pamela. (19 August 2018). "Weekend Box Office: 'Crazy Rich Asians' Wins With $26.5M for $35M Five-Day Launch". The Hollywood Reporter.
29. Rubin, Rebecca. (2018-08-22). "'Crazy Rich Asians' Sequel in Works With Jon M. Chu to Direct". Variety.
30. Guerrasio, Jason. (15 August 2018). "How the director of 'Crazy Rich Asians' found redemption after a string of uninspiring studio movies". Business Insider.
31. (January 11, 2018). "'The Wangs vs. the World' TV Series in the Works at Hulu (Exclusive)".
32. (December 17, 2019). "Jon M. Chu To Produce & In Talks To Direct Feature Take On YA Novel 'Permanent Record' For Warner Bros.".
33. D'Alessandro, Anthony. (April 21, 2020). "'In The Heights' Dances Into Summer 2021".
34. McNary, Dave. (June 7, 2018). "Lin-Manuel Miranda's 'In the Heights' Sets Summer 2020 Release". [[Variety (magazine).
35. Galuppo, Mia. (May 17, 2018). "Lin-Manuel Miranda's 'In the Heights' Lands at Warner Bros.". The Hollywood Reporter.
36. Galuppo, Mia. (March 24, 2020). "Warner Bros. Delays Release of 'In the Heights,' 'Scoob!' Due to Coronavirus". The Hollywood Reporter.
37. (October 20, 2020). "Jon M Chu To Direct Lucasfilm's Willow Series for Disney".
38. Thorne, Will. (2020-10-20). "'Willow' Sequel Series Officially a Go at Disney Plus, Jon M. Chu to Direct". Variety.
39. Kit, Borys. (November 13, 2020). "Jon M. Chu in Talks to Direct Live-Action 'Lilo & Stitch' Movie (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter.
40. White, Peter. (December 10, 2020). "'Swiss Family Robinson’ TV Remake In The Works At Disney+".
41. Ridgely, Charlie. (11 January 2021). "Jon M. Chu Steps Away From Directing Disney's Willow".
42. Galuppo, Mia. (February 2, 2021). "Jon M. Chu Set to Direct 'Wicked' Musical". The Hollywood Reporter.
43. (April 26, 2022). "Universal Releasing 'Wicked' Musical In Two Parts".
44. (2021-11-11). "Jon M. Chu Tapped To Direct Adaptation of Dr. Seuss' 'Oh, The Places You'll Go!' For Warner Bros Animation Group And Dr. Seuss Enterprises; Bad Robot Producing". Deadline.
45. D'Alessandro, Anthony. (February 25, 2021). "‘Crazy Rich Asians’ Filmmaker Jon M. Chu To Direct ‘The Great Chinese Art Heist’ For Warner Bros".
46. Kit, Borys. (August 17, 2021). "Jimmy O. Yang Reteams With Jon M. Chu for Chinese Art Heist Movie at Warner Bros. (Exclusive)".
47. Jackson, Angelique. (2022-03-17). "Play-Doh Animated Movie in the Works from Emily V. Gordon and Jon M. Chu".
48. D'Alessandro, Anthony. (2022-03-17). "'Play-Doh': Emily V. Gordon to Write, Jon M. Chu Circling to Direct Animated Pic for eOne & Hasbro About Colorful Clay".
49. (12 April 2023). "'Wicked' Filmmaker Jon M. Chu to Direct Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat' for Amazon Studios".
50. Frank, Matthew. "Exclusive: Britney Spears' Biopic Lands at Universal in Massive Deal".
51. Maas, Jennifer. (April 24, 2025). "Sydney Sweeney to Star in 'Split Fiction' Film Adaptation From Director Jon M. Chu, ‘Deadpool and Wolverine’ Writers (EXCLUSIVE)".
52. Grobar, Matt. (July 7, 2025). "Jon M. Chu To Direct Live-Action ‘Hot Wheels’ Movie For Mattel, Warner Bros. & Bad Robot".
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57. D'Zurilla, Christie. (January 6, 2020). "'Crazy Rich Asians' director has the sweetest reaction to Awkwafina's Globes win". Los Angeles Times.
58. "'Wicked' Director Jon M. Chu Has Baby #5 on the Way: 'Could Come Any Day' (Exclusive)".
59. (10 November 2024). "Director Jon M. Chu reveals the special reason why he missed the LA premiere of 'Wicked'".
60. (14 November 2024). "Jon M. Chu Attended 'Wicked' Q&A Moderated by Lee Daniels While His Wife Was in Labor".
61. Kroll, Justin. (2019-04-30). "Jon M. Chu, Nattawut Poonpiriya Join Netflix's Thai Cave Rescue Project".
62. (October 21, 2002). "DGA Announces Winners of 8th Annual West Coast Student Filmmakers Awards". Directors Guild of America.
63. Guerrasio, Jason. (October 27, 2011). "2012 CINEMA EYE HONORS NOMINEES ANNOUNCED". Filmmaker Magazine.
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67. (November 25, 2024). "'Wicked' Leads Nominations for Astra Film Awards".
68. (2024-12-06). "The 2024 Washington DC Area Film Critics Association (WAFCA) Nominations".
69. (2024-12-09). "Michigan Movie Critics Guild Announces Winners for the Best of 2024".
70. (2024-12-09). "The 2024 Las Vegas Film Critics Society (LVFCS) Nominations".
71. (2024-12-09). "The 2024 New York Film Critics Online (NYFCO) Nominations".
72. (2024-12-30). "TiBS 2024 Editors Choice Awards in Film Announced".
73. Neglia, Matt. (2025-01-02). "The 2024 Critics Association Of Central Florida (CACF) Winners".
74. Neglia, Matt. (2025-01-14). "The 2024 Houston Film Critics Society (HFCS) Winners".
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76. Neglia, Matt. (2025-02-02). "The 2024 Online Film & Television Association (OFTA) Nominations".
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78. "2025 MPA Awards". Motion Picture Association.
79. (2025-09-05). "SCAD Savannah Film Festival to Honor Jon M. Chu With Vanguard Director Award – Film News in Brief".