Wicked director Jon M. Chu teases upcoming Britney Spears biopic has ‘huge potential’
Jon M. Chu has teased Britney Spears’ upcoming biopic, an adaptation of the pop star’s best-selling 2023 memoir, The Woman In Me.
The filmmaker, 45, recently stepped behind the camera to direct the highly anticipated film Wicked, starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, which hits theaters later this month on November 22.
While promoting the film, Jon gave an update on the upcoming biopic during an interview E! News during the weekend.
At one point, the director was asked if he had spoken to Spears, 42, and he responded, “Yes, I’m very, very excited about it.”
“I think there’s tremendous potential in telling a great story, one that deserves it, but I’ll leave it at that.”
Jon M. Chu, 45, has teased Britney Spears’ upcoming biopic – an adaptation of the pop star’s 2023 best-selling memoir The Woman In Me; seen in October in LA
And while you’re talking The Hollywood Reporter in an article published Wednesday, Chu also briefly opened up about the adjustment.
He explained that Britney “represents a generation of people who grew up in the 2000s and late 1990s. She has a story that deserves to be told well. It says a lot about us.’
‘We haven’t written the script yet. But in this first view, I think it’s a lot about how we treat people, young people, stars that we think we own, women, mothers. There are many things in it that I would like to discover.’
In regards to receiving shout-outs from Spears on social media, the filmmaker said it was “an honor.”
‘I think that’s great. I think she likes to tease the audience in different ways. So I’ll let it be a mystery to her, but I’m looking forward to working with her.”
Chu — who also directed Crazy Rich Asians — revealed to the outlet that he has “been a Britney fan for many years.” I saw her when she was one of twelve acts at the Shrine Auditorium.”
“I’ve been to a lot of her shows and she’s always been someone I looked up to,” he continued.
The Woman In Me was officially released a year early, in October 2023, and quickly became a bestseller after hitting shelves.
At one point, the director was asked if he had spoken to Spears, 42, and he responded, “Yes, I’m very, very excited about it.”
“I think there’s huge potential in telling a great story, one that deserves it, but I’ll say – I’ll leave it at that,” Jon added.
Spears celebrated at the time that the book became the “best-selling celebrity memoir in history” on its first day of release.
The Baby One More Time singer told her followers on Instagram: “It’s happening!!!”
“My book is the best-selling celebrity memoir in history and it’s only day 1!!! Thank you to the fans who have been so supportive!!! I love you all!! #TheWomanInMe @gallerybooks @simonandschuster.’
She uploaded a photo of the book cover and included a short film with the words “My Story.” On my terms. Finally’ appears on the screen.
An audiobook version was also released, notably narrated by Oscar-nominated actress Michelle Williams.
Spears recorded a small portion of the book and avoided telling chapters that discussed her family because the content was “too painful to retell.” TMZ reported.
In her memoirs, the star talks about her 13-year conservatorship, the relationship with her family, but also about fame and marriages to Kevin Federline and Sam Asghari.
In an excerpt obtained by People, the star revealed she had an abortion with ex Justin Timberlake. The former couple previously dated from 1999 until their divorce in 2002.
A few months earlier, in August, it was revealed that the Britney Spears biopic was officially in the works after Universal acquired the rights following a bidding war.
Along with Chu who is directing the upcoming project, Marc Platt will produce the feature film. Platt is known for his work on the Legally Blonde franchise.
‘We haven’t written the script yet. But in this first view, I think it’s a lot about how we treat people, young people, stars that we think we own, women, mothers. There are a lot of things in there that I would like to explore,” Chu told THR; seen in April in Las Vegas
Spears also confirmed the news at the time, writing on social media: “I’m happy to share with my fans that I’ve been working on a secret project with #MarcPlatt. He’s always made my favorite films…stay tuned.”
Shortly afterwards, a celebrity name – Emma Roberts – started floating around to possibly play Britney in the film, although official casting has yet to be announced.
Spears’ former assistant, Felicia Culotta, was reportedly the one who brought up Emma’s name.
The American Horror Story actress later shared her reaction during an interview with Cosmopolitan.
“I was like, ‘I love her assistant.’ I mean, my real dream is to play Britney Spears. It’s a rumor, but I’m hoping it might come true,” Roberts revealed.
‘I mean, I remember locking myself in my room, listening to In The Zone and saying, “I can’t leave this room until I memorize every word.”
Jon M. Chu has been busy preparing for his latest film, Wicked, which will hit theaters on November 22.
The musical adaptation stars Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, Michelle Yeoh, Peter Dinklage and Jeff Goldblum.
The second part of the film will premiere in theaters the following year, in November 2025.
Shortly afterwards, a celebrity name – Emma Roberts – began floating around to possibly play Britney in the film, although official casting has yet to be announced; seen in September in Paris
Jon M. Chu has been busy preparing for his latest film, Wicked, which will hit theaters on November 22.
During a recent interview with Forbes earlier this month, he recalled working on set and bringing the film to life with the cast and crew.
During a recent interview with Forbes earlier this month, he recalled working on set and bringing the film to life with the cast and crew.
“A lot of times, me, Ari and Cynthia would grab each other’s hands and say, ‘Look at everyone! They’re all working and that’s the yellow brick road. We’re on the yellow brick road and you’re wearing witch outfits. This is insane. !”‘
‘Just seeing the yellow brick road and working with it evokes a lot of emotions for you as a film lover.’
He further added, “And the sheer size of it, walking into Emerald City and having hundreds and hundreds of dancers.”
“I saw a giant wizard head talking in real time and we built that thing – we had a train come in, a 60-ton train that they could get on and off.”
“And you have smoke and it feels like old classic Hollywood [movie]. I mean, this is Ben-Hur, this is Lawrence Of Arabia…’