The highly-anticipated premiere of Wicked has landed in Los Angeles, with the glitzy cast swarming the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion like it’s Oz itself. But there’s a plot twist – a twist so good even Wicked’s scriptwriters couldn’t have written it. Director Jon M. Chu? Not in the building. Why? Because he’s having a real-life magical event of his own.
Yep, Jon had to bow out of the premiere because – drumroll – his wife Kristin Hodge went into labor! That’s right: he’s double-booked with not one, but TWO major deliveries.
Taking to Instagram like any proud father-slash-director would, Jon gave his fans the scoop. “This movie has always moved in mysterious ways,” he mused, probably still in shock. “Today’s the day I’ve been dreaming of for ages. Two babies (a movie and a little girl) coming at once, and I couldn’t be happier.” That’s right, Jon’s bringing two new babies into the world – one in theaters, the other in a hospital room somewhere with zero green makeup involved.
“I won’t be able to be at the Wicked premiere tonight with all of you…there was a change of plans at about 4 a.m. this morning,” Jon shared, possibly while speed-packing a hospital bag with one hand and texting the Wicked team with the other. In true Wicked form, he was quick to add, “No, we will not be naming her Galphaba.” (Not that Elphaba Chu doesn’t have a certain magical ring to it, right? But apparently, baby names inspired by fictional green witches are a no in the Chu household.)
Naturally, Jon couldn’t sign off without sending all his love to the cast and crew, who are still out there defying gravity in his honor. He praised his insanely talented team, adding, “And send a little extra welcome to my little girl who’s bursting her bubble and coming into our world any moment now.” (Bubble-themed entry for a Wicked director’s baby? Absolutely iconic.)
Jon wrapped it up with a heartfelt shoutout, saying that if his daughter has even a fraction of the bravery of stars like Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Michelle Yeoh, and Marissa Bode, “then she too will defy gravity one day.” Cue the awwww’s!
Big congrats to Jon and Kristin on their double feature of a lifetime! Here’s hoping for a magical entrance for their little one – without any green body paint.
