Paramount is on a talent streak — and its latest addition is one of Hollywood’s most in-demand filmmakers. Fresh off the massive success of Wicked: For Good, director Jon M. Chu has signed a three-year first-look producing deal with the newly restructured, Skydance-backed Paramount. The move puts yet another high-profile creator under David Ellison’s growing studio umbrella.
A Big Win for Paramount’s New Era
The deal, which begins January 2, 2026, positions Chu and his production banner to develop both film and television projects for Paramount Pictures and Paramount Television Studios. He will collaborate closely with:
- Dana Goldberg & Josh Greenstein — Co-chairs of Paramount Pictures
- Don Granger — President, Motion Picture Group
- Matt Thunell — President, Paramount Television Studios
The signing further signals Paramount’s aggressive pursuit of premium storytellers as part of its post-merger evolution.
How Paramount Beat Warners and Universal
Chu’s jump to Paramount comes as he wraps his long-running association with Warner Bros., where he delivered titles like In the Heights and Crazy Rich Asians. According to insiders, Warner Bros. attempted to retain Chu, and Universal — the studio behind the Wicked films — also made strong overtures.
But neither match the appeal of “New Paramount,” the same studio that recently attracted the Duffer Brothers, director James Mangold, and Will Smith into its growing list of top-tier collaborators.
Riding High on ‘Wicked: For Good’
Chu’s signing arrives at a career peak. Wicked: For Good, the second chapter of his blockbuster two-part musical adaptation, released only weeks ago and has already broken records. It holds:
- The biggest global opening ever for a film adapted from a Broadway musical
- The second-biggest domestic opening of 2025
The first installment, Wicked, released last year and became a worldwide box office sensation with over $756 million grossed. It earned 10 Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, ultimately winning for Production Design and Costume Design.
A Career Defined by Cultural Impact
Jon M. Chu has consistently delivered films that shaped industry conversations. Crazy Rich Asians remains a milestone for Asian and Asian-American representation in mainstream Hollywood. His earlier credits, including Now You See Me 2, Step Up 2: The Streets, and In the Heights, showcase his versatility across genres — from musicals to magic-filled heists.
What’s Next for Chu
While his Paramount partnership begins in 2026, Chu remains busy on multiple fronts. He is currently:
- Developing the live-action Hot Wheels feature for Warner Bros.
- Executive producing the Crazy Rich Asians spin-off series for HBO Max
- Overseeing additional unannounced projects linked to the success of Wicked
Paramount’s first-look arrangement allows him to expand his slate further, blending theatrical storytelling with premium streaming content.
Final Words
For Paramount, landing Jon M. Chu is more than a prestige signing — it’s a signal flare. As the studio rebuilds itself under Skydance’s leadership, it’s assembling a creative roster poised to compete aggressively with Hollywood’s biggest players. And with Chu’s track record of box office wins, cultural impact, and franchise potential, the partnership marks a strategic step toward the studio’s next era of bold storytelling.
