“Wicked: For Good” director Jon M. Chu has signed a first-look deal with Paramount, TheWrap has learned.
Chu had already reached a deal with Warner Bros. Discovery. He is currently co-directing a film adaptation of Dr. Seuss’s “Oh the Places You’ll Go” for Warner Bros. Pictures Animation and is developing the stage production “Crazy Rich Asians” with Warner Bros. Theater Ventures.
The new pact will see Chu and his Electric Somewhere banner produce both films and TV shows for the studio.
The speed with which Ellison is moving underscores his goal of resurrecting Paramount’s position as a major player in Hollywood, something he is trying to strengthen with his bid for Warner Bros. Discovery. It has previously spoken about its ultimate goal of producing 20 films a year, and earlier this month it moved up the schedule to get to 15 films by next year, which would put it closer to other legacy studios.
The deal between Paramount and Chu is the latest made by the former under new owners Skydance Media, which also has deals with Will Smith, the Duffer Brothers and James Mangold. Before the merger, the studio had first-look deals with “Babylon” director Damien Chazelle and “Smile” director Parker Finn.
Universal’s “Wicked: For Good,” directed by Chu, grossed $93 million in its second weekend over the five-day Thanksgiving holiday.
Chu is repped by Artists First, UTA, Allison Binder, Esq of GGSSC and ID.
Representatives for Paramount did not respond to comment.
