Billboard On The Record How Wicked’s Music Was Reimagined For Film w/ Jon M. Chu & Jack Dolman
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Nov 6, 2025 
Join director Jon M. Chu, known for his work on hits like Crazy Rich Asians, and music editor Jack Dolman, whose credits include blockbuster films like Kingsman. They delve into the musical adaptation of Wicked, sharing insights on collaborating with Stephen Schwartz and incorporating new songs. Discover the challenges of balancing live vocals with acting performance and the philosophy behind natural transitions in song. Plus, hear their favorite musical moments and the excitement of mixing classic elements with fresh interpretations.
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Use A Music Editor To Lock Everything Together
- Do use a dedicated music editor to map where music goes and ensure all musical elements align with the picture cut.
- Distribute tempo maps and collaborate across sound, editing, and composing teams to keep everything in lockstep.
Let Songs Emerge Naturally From Characters
- Chu prioritized a natural, character-driven musical style over perfectly clean, album-like tracks.
- He accepted ambient sounds and slight messiness to make songs feel like they emerge from the character.
On-Set Performance Energy Drove Takes
- Chu often listened to a pianist and the singers on set, sometimes using a thump or track so background performers could join.
- Most final takes came from energetic, full-room performances rather than isolated clean passes.
