Jon M. Chu Reflects on Technology, Creativity, and Human Spontaneity in Making Wicked

At WIRED’s Big Interview event in San Francisco, filmmaker Jon M. Chu discussed the intersection of art, technology, and human creativity through the lens of his latest project, *Wicked: For Good*. Known for his earlier work on *Crazy Rich Asians* and Justin Bieber’s *Never Say Never*, Chu explained how early experiences with online audiences taught him the value of connecting directly with fans throughout the filmmaking process. When Bieber shared behind-the-scenes clips online, Chu observed tens of thousands of new followers engaging almost immediately, reinforcing how storytelling begins long before a film’s release and extends far beyond it.

Chu connected this lesson to his recent work on *Wicked*, describing how authentic bonds between cast members—especially stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo—were vital to the film’s impact. The intense creative environment on set, he said, helped produce the trust and spontaneity that defined the movie’s emotional core. One standout example was an unscripted moment when Erivo’s Elphaba winks at the camera—something Chu insists could never have been artificially generated.

A Bay Area native, Chu also reflected on his deep ties to technology, recalling how generous local technophiles in his youth provided him with computer equipment that nurtured his filmmaking passion. While fascinated by the organizational potential of AI, Chu maintains that real artistic breakthroughs arise from human unpredictability and collaboration. He emphasized that no algorithm can substitute the improvisation and intuition that bring cinematic magic to life.