John M. Chu is a visionary director known for his blockbuster films like Crazy Rich Asians,

in the Heights, and his hugely anticipated movie musical Wicked. Before becoming a groundbreaking director, he was a movie-obsessed,

first-generation Chinese-American kid, who grew up in Los Altos, California, where he spent

most of his time helping at his parents' restaurant. He grew up admiring filmmakers like

Steven Spielberg, who would eventually change his life in more ways than one.

But it was his parents that would provide his greatest lesson about the art of storytelling.

In his memoir, Viewfinder, he turned the lens on his own life and work, and recounts his journey

from USC Film School to directing his first film step up two, to confronting his cultural identity

crisis and directing the groundbreaking film Crazy Rich Asians. His latest endeavor, Wicked,

is a story that connects with audiences from around the world, and he shares how he adapted

the magical world for the screen and why we each have to find our own yellow brick road.

I'm Jenna Bush-Hager. Welcome to my podcast, Open Book, with Jenna.

John, I'm so happy to be with you.

I mean, I've already cried before we even started.

So welcome.

I can't even imagine what your week has been like.

It's a while.

You had your fifth, babe.

Yes.

On the day of your other child, Wicked's premiere. premiere yes it must have been one of the most magical weeks of your life i'm still processing it the week hasn't even ended yet my wife at

some point was like go go talk about your movie somewhere else no it was it was crazy though

morning of the premiere for it's all we got pregnant and, oh, maybe it'll be around the premiere date,

...