Jon M. Chu and Shawn Levy Discuss Wicked, Deadpool & Wolverine, and the Power of Storytelling in Modern Cinema
In a candid and inspiring conversation, directors Jon M. Chu (Wicked, Crazy Rich Asians) and Shawn Levy (Deadpool & Wolverine, Stranger Things) reflected on their journeys to becoming Hollywood’s top storytellers, the challenges of creating large-scale films, and their shared commitment to making hopeful, joyful movies in today’s entertainment landscape.
Early Dreams and Their Journeys
Jon M. Chu revealed how childhood dreams of directing were sparked by behind-the-scenes footage of Hook, describing Spielberg as his north star. “I wanted to play all day like that,” Chu shared, recalling his student film that miraculously found its way to Spielberg himself. Despite the early success, Chu admitted to feeling lost when projects didn’t immediately materialize, a struggle many emerging filmmakers can relate to.
Levy mirrored this sentiment, describing his start on The Secret World of Alex Mack—an era that overlapped with Chu’s stint as an extra. “There’s no straight line in these careers,” Levy noted, highlighting the unpredictable ebbs and flows of filmmaking.
Making Wicked and Deadpool & Wolverine: Managing Scale and Expectation
Both directors are at the helm of their biggest projects to date. For Chu, bringing Wicked—the beloved Broadway musical—to life meant honoring its magic while embracing the scale of cinema.
“I knew if I found those two women—Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande—it would work. Those songs are tough. You need professionals,” Chu explained, emphasizing the meticulous casting process. He further revealed that 99% of the vocals were recorded live on set with a pianist, allowing the performers to connect with the music organically.
For Levy, Deadpool & Wolverine came with its own pressures—Marvel’s first R-rated entry and a pivotal film post-Endgame. Reflecting on how the movie took shape, Levy credited Hugh Jackman’s unexpected epiphany about joining forces with Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool.
“From the minute Hugh called, I knew what it would be: a friendship-redemption road trip movie,” Levy said, comparing it to classics like 48 Hrs. and Midnight Run. He added that Marvel gave them the freedom to inject self-awareness into the script, with Deadpool humorously jabbing at the multiverse trend: “Can we be done with the multiverse thing? It’s just been miss after miss.”
Joyful Cinema and Cultural Impact
Both directors emphasized their shared commitment to uplifting audiences through cinema. For Chu, this philosophy was inspired by his immigrant family’s connection to The Wizard of Oz and later, Wicked.
“My parents saw the Yellow Brick Road as the American dream,” Chu reflected. “I wanted to make joyful movies that take you to another place and have love.”
Levy agreed, describing his films as aspirational, stemming from a childhood shaped by a divorced household and challenging circumstances. “I want to build the life I wish I was living,” Levy said, noting how projects like Stranger Things and The Adam Project center on themes of connection and hope.
They both emphasized the unique cultural impact of theatrical releases, with Levy stating, “Theatrical penetrates culture differently. It sticks with people because they’ve made the choice to leave home, get babysitters, and connect with that story.”
The Importance of Representation and Breaking Boundaries
Chu and Levy also touched on themes of representation and pushing boundaries. Chu highlighted the significance of casting Cynthia Erivo, a woman of color, as Elphaba in Wicked, explaining how it added new dimensions to the character’s journey.
“When Cynthia sang, ‘Something has changed within me,’ it brought new context to the words,” Chu shared, crediting Erivo’s performance for elevating the film’s themes of acceptance and transformation.
Levy praised Chu’s ability to merge visual spectacle with emotional resonance, saying, “You haven’t just adapted Wicked, you’ve employed the tools of cinema in a way that feels additive and visually inventive.”
A Shared Vision for Hopeful Storytelling
Despite the challenges and pressures of their blockbuster projects, both Chu and Levy remain committed to creating stories that provide joy, hope, and connection for audiences.
“As directors, we’re lucky to tell stories that both entertain and provide hope,” Levy concluded.
Chu echoed the sentiment, calling Wicked his chance to “show why cinema should exist” and to dance in the magical world of Oz.
Key Takeaways
- Jon M. Chu emphasized honoring Wicked’s legacy through live recordings and careful casting.
- Shawn Levy revealed how Hugh Jackman’s involvement transformed Deadpool & Wolverine into a redemptive, buddy road movie.
- Both directors champion cinema as a vessel for joy, escapism, and connection, particularly in a time when audiences need it most.
