Jon M. Chu Eager for Britney Spears' Significant Role in Biopic.
Jon M. Chu, 45, the talented director behind Wicked, is preparing for an exciting new project—a biopic about pop icon Britney Spears, 43. While many details remain under wraps, Chu has confirmed that Spears will play a central role in the development of the film, signaling her involvement in telling her own story.
Jon M. Chu (@jonmchu Instagram)
Jon M. Chu, director of Wicked, is gearing up for an exciting new project—a Britney Spears biopic. While the film is still in early stages, Chu confirmed that Spears will play a significant role in its development. Here's what we know so far!
In a recent interview after his Golden Globe win for Wicked, Chu shared that while work on the biopic is still in the early stages, the involvement of Spears is certain. “She will be very involved in this. I have ideas and things, but it’s very, very early,” Chu stated. The director emphasized that he is still working through the details but is already enthusiastic about how the project is taking shape.
When it comes to casting, Chu noted that he has seen the various fan-casting suggestions circulating online. He is considering these ideas as he continues to develop the film’s approach. "I've seen all the fan casting, and I always take that into consideration," Chu explained. "Maybe there's a good idea out there—we'll have to see what the approach of the movie is."
The biopic is based on Spears' 2023 memoir, which chronicles her personal struggles, rise to fame, and tumultuous relationship with the media. Universal Pictures acquired the rights to the memoir, and Chu is eager to ensure that the film captures the complexity of the singer’s life. “I’ve been a fan since I was young,” Chu admitted. “I want to do her story justice and portray it accurately. We're in the development phase now, and it’s going to be a lengthy process.”
Britney Spears
Chu’s excitement is palpable, and he’s committed to ensuring the biopic does more than just celebrate the star's music career. He aims to delve into the challenges Spears faced and the emotional depth of her life behind the headlines. The director has expressed that this project is especially meaningful to him, noting that capturing Spears' experience is an opportunity to tell an important, yet complex, narrative.
The team behind the film also includes Marc Platt, who recently won a Golden Globe alongside Chu for their work on Wicked. Platt will be producing the Spears biopic, adding further credibility to the project.
Chu’s journey to make the film comes after a highly successful run with Wicked, and he is eager to balance both major projects. However, before focusing entirely on the Britney Spears biopic, Chu will first complete the sequel Wicked: For Good, which is scheduled for release on November 21, 2025.
Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Marc Platt and Jon M. Chu receive the Cinematic and Box Office Achievement award for “Wicked” at the 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California. l January 5, 2025 (@jonmchu Instagram)
Wicked fans can expect the sequel to be a major event, but it’s clear that Chu is also deeply invested in ensuring the Britney Spears biopic does justice to her legacy. “Once everything is finalized, we will dedicate ourselves to Wicked: For Good,” said Platt. "That will demand our full attention, passion, and dedication, and we are eager to share it with you."
Both projects reflect Chu’s devotion to creating thoughtful, impactful films, whether it’s bringing the beloved Broadway musical to the big screen or telling the story of one of pop culture’s most iconic figures.
The Spears biopic is already generating buzz, and fans can’t wait to see how Chu and his team bring the pop star's powerful story to life.
Jon M. Chu is an accomplished American director and producer, widely known for his work in both film and television. He gained significant recognition with his direction of "Step Up 2: The Streets" (2008) and its sequels, as well as his directorial work on the critically acclaimed musical In the Heights (2021).
Chu is also known for his work on Crazy Rich Asians (2018), which became a groundbreaking film for Asian representation in Hollywood and was a major box office success.
Chu’s success in both dance-centric films and big-budget productions has established him as a versatile filmmaker. In addition to In the Heights and Crazy Rich Asians, he directed Now You See Me 2 (2016), G.I. Joe: Retaliation (2013), and the Step Up franchise. His diverse body of work also includes producing and directing a documentary on Justin Bieber, Never Say Never (2011), which grossed over $100 million globally.
As a filmmaker, Jon M. Chu is celebrated for his visually dynamic storytelling, particularly in musicals and high-energy, visually rich productions. His work has made him a go-to director for large-scale, inclusive films and television projects.
