Why Jon M. Chu Asked Ariana Grande to Audition Without Makeup for ‘Wicked’ | The Job Interview

Jon M. Chu—director of popular films including “Crazy Rich Asians,” “Wicked” and “Step Up 2: The Streets”—sits down for The Job Interview with WSJ. Magazine to discuss how he cast Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, how Steven Spielberg helped kick start his career, having a dance-off with Miley Cyrus and working with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Chu also talks about working with Constance Wu and Michelle Yeoh on “Crazy Rich Asians,” seeing “Hamilton” for the first time and working with Lin-Manuel Miranda on “In the Heights.”

Chapters:
0:00 Early career and films
0:55 Casting “Wicked”
2:08 Musicals and Steven Spielberg stories
3:58 Dance-off with Miley Cyrus
4:39 Being a young director
5:29 Making “Crazy Rich Asians”
6:45 Mom meeting Michelle Yeoh
7:26 Filming “In the Heights” and working with Lin-Manuel Miranda
7:57 Mistakes you’ve made in the past
8:33 Did you think you’d be here today?

The Job Interview
In The Job Interview, visionaries and innovators reflect on lessons learned that have helped them reach the heights of their careers

#Wicked #Director #WSJ

[llgiusyll]

he really deserves a better title for this video.

[arvindaniellecampos]

This video is SO MUCH MORE than asking Ariana Grande to come and audition without make-up. What a disservice to THE BRILLIANT Jon M Chu

[reneepope-munro]

This title is such a disservice to this brilliant man.

[mariahvasquez]

Petition for them to change the title ✋

[chaemochi]

The Rock telling Jon "you look like my cousin" is one of the most Polynesian things I've ever heard LOL. IYKYK.

[peter_parkour]

If Michelle Yeoh told me I will never be enough I will just start crying too.

[romxxii]

A theater kid with directorial experience was the best possible choice to turn one of the biggest musicals ever into a movie. Knocked part one out of the park. Can't wait for part two.

[cryspbacon]

his direction is insane. it seems he only chooses projects he’s passionate about, which is what everyone should do in their job. his creative vision is wild.

[bethwinfield]

I clicked on this for the title, I stayed for him. Very inspiring and insightful

[seerpou]

crazy rich asians is one of the most beautiful modern films ever.

[PixieDustProductions]

John Chu and his family are treasures. His father runs Chef Chu’s Chinese restaurant in Sunnyvale, CA and my family and I have been going there since I was a kid. His brother, Larry, is incredibly kind. I was so excited when John was getting praised for Crazy Rich Asians and I’m even more excited for Wicked. John and his family are fantastic people ❤

[CarolinaSilva-rdys]

Honestly his films always feel so rich in color and in feeling. To quote Harry styles “it feels like a movie.” One of the few directors who makes me feel like a kid again.

[La_belleT]

He did his big one with crazy rich Asians!!! I could rewatch this film over and over again. Please where is the sequel?

[tennyopallas]

That Constance could only get through a few takes of "You'll never be enough" hits so much harder knowing more about what she was going through at the time.

[mitchwrites]

ppl complaining about the title, I get it, unfortunately that’s the way to grab the most views to give this genius man the recognition he deserves

[an-qoby]

STEP UP 2 WAS THE BEST IN THE FRANCHISE. I really like this guy he seems chill and humble!!!

[vanessajadegallagher]

What a beautiful interview. Jon M. Chu has directed all of my favourite movies and I didn't even know. He's definitely my favourite director! I can't WAIT to see Wicked! It comes out the week of my birthday!

[Ari.K]

Everyone is mad at the title, but honestly it's the only reason why I clicked on the video. I would never have learned about this talented individual if it wasn't for the title, so thank you :)

[itsNinaLeeyo]

@7:12 is giving "MOM, YOU'RE EMBARASSING ME IN FRONT OF MY FRIENDS!" I love this interview, it feels so comforting like talking to a friend.

[thewatchfemme]

In The Heights is the best musical adaptation in the modern era. Wish more people would talk about it.