Imagine choosing the birth of your child over the premiere of your highly anticipated film. That’s exactly what director Jon M. Chu did last year, and now he’s making up for it in the most heartwarming way possible. But here’s where it gets emotional: Chu turned the New York premiere of his latest masterpiece, Wicked: For Good, into a full-fledged family affair, bringing along his wife, Kristin Hodge, and all five of their children—yes, all five!—to celebrate the film’s release on November 21, 2025.
Chu, known for his visionary direction, arrived on the red carpet in a sleek gray suit paired with a black shirt, cradling his youngest, 1-year-old Stevie Sky, who quite literally stole the show. And this is the part most people miss: Last year, Chu made headlines when he skipped the Los Angeles premiere of Wicked to witness Stevie’s birth, a decision he celebrated on Instagram with a heartfelt post: 'Missed my movie premiere to see this girl come into our world. Thank Oz I did.' The director also shared an Instagram story that day, reflecting on the dual joys of welcoming a new child and releasing a film he’d poured his heart into.
At the New York premiere, Chu posed proudly with his entire brood—Willow, Jonathan, Ruby, Iggy, and Stevie—proving that for him, family and film are inextricably linked. But here’s where it gets controversial: In an interview with Parents last year, Chu revealed how fatherhood has reshaped his approach to filmmaking. 'Being a father has changed my whole reason for making movies,' he said. 'It forces you to think about the world you want your kids to grow up in—the stories you want them to be surrounded by.' This perspective raises a thought-provoking question: Should all filmmakers consider the impact of their work on future generations? Or is art inherently selfish?
Wicked: For Good hits theaters on November 21, and with Chu’s family-first philosophy at its core, it’s sure to be a film that resonates deeply. What do you think? Does a director’s personal life have a place in their professional work? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’re eager to hear your take!
