Jon M. Chu and Shawn Levy Reflect on Overcoming Pressure with Wicked and Deadpool & Wolverine

Jon M. Chu and Shawn Levy, two of Hollywood’s top directors, recently opened up about the challenges they faced while working on some of their biggest films to date, Wicked and Deadpool & Wolverine. Both projects, which have generated immense buzz, were marked by significant pressure as the directors navigated expectations and the demands of creating cinematic adaptations of beloved properties.

Early Career Struggles

Jon M. Chu’s journey into filmmaking started with a love for movies at a young age. Inspired by behind-the-scenes footage from Hook, he envisioned himself in the director’s chair, excited about the idea of creating and playing with stories. Chu’s breakthrough moment came when his student film found its way to Steven Spielberg, leading to a collaboration with DreamWorks. However, despite this early recognition, Chu faced years of uncertainty. Reflecting on those tough times, he recalled, “I freaked out when I couldn’t get a movie made. For years, I asked, ‘Do I even deserve to be here?’”

Similarly, Shawn Levy had his share of doubts early in his career. Starting with the direction of The Secret World of Alex Mack, he initially felt the thrill of achieving his dreams. Yet, Levy soon realized that the path to success is not always linear. “I remember thinking, ‘It’s happening,’ and thinking, ‘All my dreams are coming true.’ Then you realize there’s no straight lines in these careers. It’s ebbs and flows that take you to surprising places.”

The Challenge of Adapting Wicked

For Jon M. Chu, the pressure heightened with his involvement in the adaptation of Wicked, a beloved Broadway musical. The project, which had a massive fanbase, carried the weight of high expectations. One of the most crucial tasks for Chu was casting the right leads. He explained, “If you didn’t find them, you don’t make the movie.”

While initially, Chu focused on casting unknown talent, he eventually recognized that only seasoned actors could handle the demanding songs and complex material of Wicked. This shift in focus proved to be key in securing the success of the project.

Deadpool & Wolverine: A New Challenge for Levy

Shawn Levy, on the other hand, faced a different type of pressure when he directed Deadpool 3 and Wolverine. Despite the hype surrounding his first Marvel movie, Levy found the journey less daunting than expected. “People assumed the pressure would be huge since it was my first Marvel movie,” Levy said. “But it wasn’t. We worked for months to come up with Deadpool 3 and we failed.”

However, everything changed when Hugh Jackman reached out to Levy with an idea to join the film. This collaboration sparked a turning point for the movie’s direction. Levy soon realized that the heart of the film would center around a friendship-redemption-road trip narrative, a theme that resonated deeply with him.

The Evolution of Their Craft

Both directors have learned valuable lessons from these high-pressure projects. For Chu, the experience with Wicked reinforced the importance of collaboration, particularly in choosing the right actors who could bring the musical’s complex emotional weight to life. For Levy, Deadpool & Wolverine demonstrated that even in the face of setbacks, success can emerge through creative partnerships and a fresh perspective on storytelling.

Their reflections highlight the resilience required to thrive in Hollywood, where success often comes after moments of doubt and failure.

For more updates on Wicked, Deadpool & Wolverine, and other major films, stay tuned to Vviptimes.