Wicked's reviews have been overwhelmingly positive, with the movie receiving praise for its leading performances, direction, cinematography, and its ability to faithfully adapt the beloved and long-running Broadway musical. It holds an 88% Tomatometer score and 95% Popcornmeter score on Rotten Tomatoes and has been commended by many notable figures within the entertainment industry.

While speaking with CBS, Chu discussed how Lucas FaceTimed him after being impressed by Wicked. Chu explained that he has never met Lucas, but that the Star Wars creator called him to share how much he enjoyed Wicked and that he recognized all the artistry that went into creating the movie. He revealed how much it means to him for creative leaders in the entertainment industry to reach out and express their and iration for Wicked. Check out Chu's comments below:

I've never met George Lucas. I've never talked to him. Of course, I went to USC where he ed that school. So I got that call randomly this week. He was still at the mall where he had just seen [Wicked]. And he called me, and we FaceTimed, and he couldn't have been more kind. He's like, "You know, I make movies." And I said, "Yes." And he's like, "I see all the elements in that movie. I know how hard it is to pull it all together." It's so nice when you see leaders like that, creative leaders, who actually reach out and are just so kind and say we're doing this together.

What This Means For Wicked

Wicked Is A Cinematic Triumph

Lucas' praise is another sign of Wicked's far-reaching success and how the movie is a creative triumph. From Star Wars and his extensive filmmaking history, Lucas knows how challenging it can be for a movie to be made, especially when it is an ambitious project. He recognizes that Wicked is a movie that was able to exceed despite these challenges, and despite being stuck in development for many years. Lucas knows when a movie achieves something truly special and makes a genuine impact, and there is no denying that Wicked has already achieved these feats.

Of "all the elements" that Lucas recognizes and appreciates in the 2024 movie, one of them is likely the intricate set designs that bring Wicked's version of Oz to life. Planting 9 million tulips, building Munchkinland from scratch, and using a real 60-ton train are among the many details that make Oz feel real and immersive on a grand, cinematic scale. As someone who used many practical effects and iconic set designs in his movies, Lucas can see when these endeavors are done well.

Our Take On George Lucas' Call

He Has Further Uplifted The Movie's Success

While Wicked was expected to be generally well-received, it has far sured those expectations. Lucas reaching out to Chu is indicative of that, with the acclaimed filmmaker recognizing that Wicked is not just a good movie musical, but a work of cinema that succeeds on every level and that lingers with viewers after they leave the theater. The second movie, now titled Wicked: For Good, is even more exciting knowing that Lucas is among the many who will be watching and eager to see how the rest of Wicked's story is adapted via Chu's stellar direction.

Source: CBS