The big screen adaptation of the Broadway and West End musical is now set to be directed by the director of the upcoming film In the Heights and Crazy Rich Asians.

Following his work on the In the Heights set to be released in cinemas this year, it has been confirmed that Jon M Chu will direct the anticipated film version of Wicked the musical.

He has taken over the role of director from Stephen Daldry, who had to pull out due to scheduling conflicts. As of yet, casting or release date for the film has to be confirmed.

The film, set to be released by Universal, will feature a screenplay by Wicked writers Winnie Holzman (book) and Stephen Schwartz (score), based on the original novel by Gregory Maguire that the musical was inspired by.  

The story is retelling of the classic story of The Wizard of Oz, told from the perspectives of Elphaba and Glinda. It features songs such as ‘Defying Gravity’, ‘For Good’ and ‘Popular’.