Jon M. Chu welcomes fifth child and skips ‘Wicked’ premiere

A joyous arrival and a missed event

Renowned director Jon M. Chu had a significant reason for his absence at the premiere of the much-anticipated two-part musical epic, ‘Wicked’. His wife gave birth to their fifth child, a baby girl, on November 9, the same day as the elaborate pink-and-green celebration.

Chu, filled with excitement, took to Instagram Stories to share his delight, saying, “This movie has always moved in mysterious ways. 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. 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 a.m. this morning…”

Chu humorously added, “No, we will not be naming her Galphaba.”

The significance of ‘Wicked’

‘Wicked’ is adapted from the beloved Broadway musical and serves as a prelude to The Wizard of Oz, exploring the unlikely friendship between Elphaba (the Wicked Witch of the West) and Glinda the Good. This richly constructed narrative delves into themes of prejudice, love, and the struggle for identity, making it a story that resonates deeply with audiences across generations.

The film boasts an impressive cast, including Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, Michelle Yeoh as the Shiz University headmaster Madame Morrible, Ethan Slater as Boq, and Bowen Yang as Pfannee. The production is set to be a visual and auditory treat that stays true to its theatrical roots while pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved on screen.

A message to the cast and crew

While unable to attend the premiere, Chu conveyed his best wishes and admiration to the insanely talented cast and crew, acknowledging their hard work and dedication. He encouraged everyone to send their support, symbolizing the close-knit society and collaborative spirit of the film industry.

“Send all the love to our insanely talented cast and crew tonight. They deserve it and send a little extra welcome to my little girl bursting her bubble and coming into our world any moment now,” he wrote. Chu also extended his aspiration that his daughter might one day emulate the bravery of the remarkable women involved in the production, such as Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, and Michelle Yeoh.

Balancing family and film

Chu’s ability to balance the demands of a thriving career and a growing family highlights the personal sacrifices often made by those in the entertainment industry. The 45-year-old filmmaker, celebrated for his works like ‘In the Heights’ and ‘Crazy Rich Asians’, frequently shares glimpses into his family life, reinforcing the importance of maintaining a work-life balance.

Chu shared a lighthearted moment on Instagram with a photo of his garment bag, humorously pondering, “Should I just wear the suit for the birth?”

A family affair

Chu and his wife, Kristin Hodge, are now proud parents of five children: Willow (7), Jonathan (5), Ruby (3), Iggy (20 months), and their newest addition. During the busy premiere day, Chu posted a touching video of Hodge and their newborn, captioning it with, “Magic is in the air. Welcome to our world, you’re gonna do great. You have a lot of witches on your side.”

‘Wicked’ releases in theaters on November 22 and promises to be a cinematic experience that combines the enchantment of the musical with the magic of the big screen. Stay tuned as we bring you further updates on this captivating tale and the latest in the world of entertainment.

If this news warmed your heart, feel free to share it with your friends and follow our site for more heartfelt stories and industry updates.