Director Jon Chu, who is celebrated for his visually stunning and heartfelt films like Crazy Rich Asians, believes storytelling can be a transformative experience. With his latest project, Wicked, Chu transports audiences to the vibrant, magical land of Oz while delving into themes of bravery, resilience, and redemption. The father of five credits his journey into parenthood as a pivotal force in shaping the values and depth of his work.

“I love to make something that sweeps you to another place or brings you into a world you’ve never been,” Chu told The Christian Post. “But it’s the hard things, the challenges, that we have to walk through to find light. That’s what a movie is supposed to do—take you through the darkness and back into the light.”

In Chu’s hands, Wicked—a prequel to The Wizard of Oz—is more than just a visual spectacle. The film reimagines the story of Elphaba, the misunderstood “Wicked Witch of the West,” and Glinda, the “Good Witch,” as two former best friends navigating societal judgment and personal transformation.

At its core, the film tackles the universal struggle to belong and be seen. Elphaba, born with green skin, endures relentless ridicule and exclusion, while the silencing of Oz’s animals reflects real-world themes of oppression. These challenges resonate deeply with Chu, who emphasized the importance of resilience and bravery.

“Bravery isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you earn by doing the scary thing first,” Chu reflected. “Resilience, self-reliance, and courage are values I want my children to understand. They’re what allow us to push through the darkness.”

Since becoming a father seven years ago, Chu’s perspective on storytelling has shifted. “Being a director is a very selfish job—you focus on your vision,” he admitted. “But when you have children, you start thinking, ‘What stories do I want them to hear? What lessons do I want them to take into the world?'”

For Chu, Wicked became an opportunity to weave those lessons into a story that blends humor, heart, and humanity. “It’s about judgment—how we see those who are different—and the power of friendships that challenge and transform us,” he explained.

The film also explores the struggles of embracing one’s true self, a journey Chu sees reflected in today’s complex social landscape. “It’s like technology today—we’re all roommates in this digital space, trying to figure out how to coexist. The only way forward is to listen, to understand each other.”

Despite its serious undertones, Wicked is filled with humor and vibrant music, including classics like “Defying Gravity” and “For Good.” Chu believes the balance of lightheartedness and depth makes the film accessible to all audiences.

“Some days, life doesn’t feel like a fairy tale. There’s no perfect ending,” Chu said. “But the beauty of life is that every day, you get a new choice—to be wicked or to be good. And sometimes, when someone else is struggling, grace means forgiving their wicked moments. That’s how we grow together.”

As Wicked continues to captivate audiences, earning over $114 million in its opening weekend, Chu is already working on new projects, including a reimagining of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. But his focus remains on creating stories that inspire courage and resilience.

“With a movie like Wicked, I want it to be fun and delightful but also meaningful,” Chu said. “Life is messy, and we’re all navigating the push and pull of darkness and light. But when we work together, we can create something extraordinary.”