Jon M. Chu has officially signed a major first-look deal with Paramount Pictures, marking a new chapter in his celebrated directing career. The agreement, which takes effect in January 2026, will see Chu and his production company, Electric Somewhere, develop and produce both film and television projects for Paramount, solidifying his status as one of Hollywood’s most sought-after creative forces.
Jon M. Chu: Life and Career Journey
Born in Palo Alto, California in 1979, Jon M. Chu is the youngest of five siblings and the son of Chinese immigrants who ran a restaurant. His early fascination with filmmaking began in childhood, making videos for his family and capturing moments at his parents’ restaurant. Chu’s passion led him to study film at the University of Southern California, where he won several awards and caught the attention of top industry agents.
Chu’s career took off with the dance films Step Up 2: The Streets (2008) and Step Up 3D (2010), which showcased his dynamic visual style and choreography. He quickly moved into mainstream Hollywood, directing G.I. Joe: Retaliation (2013) and Now You See Me 2 (2016), before achieving global recognition with Crazy Rich Asians (2018)—the first major Hollywood film in decades with an all-Asian cast.
Key Films and Impact
Chu’s filmography is defined by cultural milestones and genre versatility. Crazy Rich Asians not only became a box office hit but also sparked industry-wide conversations about diversity and representation. He followed up with In the Heights (2021), Lin-Manuel Miranda’s vibrant adaptation, and the blockbuster two-part Wicked films (2024–2025), which set new records for musical adaptations.
His work is celebrated for its emotional depth, technical innovation, and commitment to inclusive storytelling. Chu’s direction in Wicked: For Good was hailed as a masterpiece, earning him Best Director awards and solidifying his reputation as a visionary in musical cinema.
The Paramount First-Look Deal
Chu’s new deal with Paramount will allow him to create and produce both feature films and television content from the Paramount lot, collaborating with top executives including Dana Goldberg, Josh Greenstein, Don Granger, and Matt Thunell. The partnership is seen as a major coup for Paramount, aligning Chu with other top talents like the Duffer Brothers and James Mangold.
This move follows Chu’s previous successful partnership with Warner Bros., where he produced and directed some of his most iconic films. With his new home at Paramount, Chu is poised to continue shaping the future of Hollywood with bold, diverse, and visually stunning projects.
