National

‘Wicked’ director Jon M. Chu misses movie premiere. This is why.

“Wicked” director Jon M. Chu with his growing family.
“Wicked” director Jon M. Chu with his growing family. Shutterstock

On Nov. 9, the cast and crew of the highly anticipated new movie “Wicked” assembled in Los Angeles for its premiere.

The director of the film, Jon M. Chu, who is best known for directing films like “Crazy Rich Asians,” “In The Heights” and more, shared his excitement for the premiere on his Instagram stories.

After sharing a “Welcome to Shiz” flyer with his fans, writing, “LA Premiere for ‘Wicked’ is tonight,” Chu and his wife, Kristin Hodge, were no shows on the red carpet.

Jon M. Chu celebrates “Wicked” premiere.
Jon M. Chu celebrates “Wicked” premiere. Screengrab from Jon M. Chu's Instagram page

Chu later returned to his Instagram story to reveal a “special magical announcement” and why he never showed up.

“This movie has always moved in mysterious ways,” he wrote alongside a picture of a hospital room with bracelets that read, “Defy gravity,” a nod to one of the most popular “Wicked” songs.

“Today is a day I’ve been dreaming about for a long time. Two babies (a movie and a little girl) all at one time and I truly couldn’t be happier,” he continued.

“I won’t be able to be at the ‘Wicked’ premiere tonight with all of you… there was a change of plans at about 4 am this morning,” Chu shared. “Instead my wife and I will be welcoming our 5th child into our family and no we will not be naming her Galphaba,” he joked.

Chu added that he was sending “all the love to our insanely talented cast and crew tonight.”

Jon M. Chu shares why he missed the premiere.
Jon M. Chu shares why he missed the premiere. Screengrab from Jon M. Chu's Instagram page

“They deserve it and send a little extra welcome to my little girl bursting her bubble and coming into our world any moment now.”

The director continued saying he hopes his new baby girl will have at least a fraction of the bravery of his wife, Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Michelle Yeoh and Marissa Bode, the stars of “Wicked.”

“She too will defy gravity one day.”

Several hours later, Chu revealed his baby made her entrance while the movie was premiering. “Magic is in the air.”

Jon M. Chu celebrates the arrival of his daughter.
Jon M. Chu celebrates the arrival of his daughter. Screengrab from Jon M. Chu's Instagram page

“Welcome to our world, you’re gonna do great,” the proud dad continued. “You have a lot of witches on your side.”

Follow More of Our Reporting on

SV
Sara Vallone
Miami Herald
Sara Vallone is a content specialist working with McClatchy Media’s Trend Hunter and national content specialists team.
Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER