Wicked Director’s New Deal Hints His Next Movie Won’t Be for Universal 

Jon M. Chu’s new agreement with Paramount is prompting fresh speculation about his next move. After delivering two major successes for Universal with Wicked and Wicked: For Good, the director has now hinted a shift in direction. Chu has reportedly signed a new producing deal with Paramount.

Jon M. Chu signs three-year producing deal with Paramount

Paramount has finalized a three-year first-look producing agreement with filmmaker Jon M. Chu, a deal that will officially begin on January 2, 2026. 

As part of the arrangement, Chu and his banner, Electric Somewhere, will move their operations to the Paramount lot, where they will begin developing a range of film and television projects. The partnership will see Chu working closely with key executives across the studio, including Dana Goldberg, Josh Greenstein, Don Granger, and Matt Thunell (via Deadline).

Chu joins Paramount following a period of significant momentum in his career. His recent work on the two-part Wicked adaptation has produced record-breaking results. The first installment, released in 2024, became the highest-grossing film adaptation of a Broadway musical, earning more than $756 million worldwide.

Its follow-up, Wicked: For Good, debuted in November 2025 and became one of the notable domestic openings of the year. The film has collected around $401 million worldwide in its first two weeks.

This new agreement replaces Chu’s previous first-look arrangement with Warner Bros. However, the filmmaker continues to be attached to several projects across various studios. A sequel to Crazy Rich Asians remains in development, continuing the franchise that earned $239 million globally.

At Warner Bros., he is attached to direct a live-action Hot Wheels feature and an animated adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ Oh, the Places You’ll Go. Additionally, Chu is set to helm a Britney Spears biographical film for Universal (via ScreenRant).

Source: Comingsoon.net