Jon M. Chu, the acclaimed director of the highly anticipated “Wicked” film, was noticeably absent from the movie’s star-studded premiere on Saturday night. But for the best of reasons—Chu and his wife Kristin Hodge welcomed their fifth child into the world just hours before the big event.
Before the screening, Chu shared a heartwarming video message from his hospital bed, explaining that the timing of his daughter’s arrival was truly magical. “I’ve waited for three years to have this moment to share a movie with you, but I’ve waited my whole life to have this moment—to have a fifth child right now,” he said, as the crowd let out a collective “aww.”
The director added with a laugh, “Of course, this little girl knows when to show up.” Chu’s presence was palpable throughout the evening, despite his physical absence. His words of gratitude to the film’s producers, original Broadway creatives, and the impressive ensemble cast—including Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba—resonated with the attendees.
“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,” Chu said.
The two-part adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical is a prequel to “The Wizard of Oz,” delving into the complex relationship between the witches of Oz before Dorothy’s arrival. Stepping into the iconic roles made famous by Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel on stage, Grande and Erivo have forged a remarkable real-life friendship.
“For some reason, we instantly connected.” Our voices really worked together. And I think from that moment on, we’ve been building, and it’s been the most fruitful relationship of my life,” Erivo told Deadline. The film’s star-studded cast also includes Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, Bowen Yang, Ethan Slater, and Keala Settle, among others.
While Chu couldn’t grace the red carpet, the rest of the ensemble made a dazzling appearance, with the leading ladies shining in iridescent pink and lush green ensembles that perfectly captured the magical essence of Oz.
“Wicked” will release its first part in theaters on November 22 and its second installment in November 2025. For Chu, the timing of his daughter’s arrival couldn’t have been more serendipitous.
“This movie has always moved in mysterious ways,” he wrote on Instagram. “Today is a day I’ve been dreaming about for a long time. I’m incredibly happy to have two babies (a movie and a little girl) at the same time, but I won’t be able to attend the Wicked premiere tonight with all of you.
The director acknowledged the irony of his absence, joking, “Of course this little girl knows when to show up.” But with the unwavering support of his “witches”—his wife and the film’s talented cast—Chu is surely beaming with pride as the Wicked legacy continues to unfold.