Jon M. Chu, known for his work on the hit musical Wicked and fan-favorites like Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights, is set to take on an unexpected new project. The director has been tapped to bring a beloved Dr. Seuss classic to life in an entirely new way: as an animated musical.
Chu will direct Oh, the Places You’ll Go!, based on Dr. Seuss’ 1990 children’s book that follows a young protagonist navigating life’s highs and lows. This new film promises to bring the magic of Seuss’s world to the big screen with a musical twist, and it will be co-directed by Jill Culton, known for her work on Monster Family and Kung Fu Panda 3.
The film is expected to feature a screenplay written by Rob Lieber, with the acclaimed duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul – who have penned songs for La La Land, The Greatest Showman, and Dear Evan Hansen – set to compose the original music. The collaboration is sure to bring a fresh, vibrant energy to the beloved story.
Scheduled for release on March 17, 2028, Oh, the Places You’ll Go! will be projected on massive IMAX screens, ensuring that its stunning animation and immersive storytelling will be experienced to its fullest. At this time, there are no additional details about the cast or full crew, but fans can anticipate further announcements soon.
While Oh, the Places You’ll Go! may still be a few years away, fans of Jon M. Chu won’t have to wait too long for more of his work. The highly anticipated sequel to Wicked, titled Wicked: For Good, is set to be released in November, following the massive success of the first part of the adaptation, which grossed over $700 million and earned 10 Academy Award nominations.
In a recent behind-the-scenes revelation, Chu shared a powerful moment on the Wicked set when Cynthia Erivo performed “Defying Gravity” live. “She extended the note, and it’s echoing through this giant warehouse while she’s up in the air,” Chu recalled. “We have leaves and wind blowing at her. I don’t even know how the sound is getting into her airways because we’re just blowing air at her. But she’s doing it, she holds it the whole time, and it’s just silence after she’s done… I’m looking around, and all the crew are crying.”
Stay tuned for more updates on both Oh, the Places You’ll Go! and Wicked: For Good as Jon M. Chu continues to enchant audiences with his musical magic.