As some fans were not too keen with the film's soundtrack, director Jon M. Chu opens up about his hands-off approach and explains his decision to steer clear of the mixing.
- January 3, 2025
AceShowbiz - "Wicked" reign over 2024's box office and beyond continues unabated. With the film now available for home viewing and a highly anticipated sequel on the horizon, Wicked-mania shows no signs of waning.
One striking aspect of the film is its atmospheric sounds and effects, which fans have praised for enhancing the musical numbers. However, fans were left disappointed when some of the sound effects were cut out of the soundtrack.
Addressing the issue, director Jon M. Chu explained that he played a limited role in mixing the soundtrack. "I promised Stephen Schwartz I'd let him handle the album," Chu told CinemaBlend. "We have our respective areas of interpretation."
The filmmaker defended his decision, citing his lack of necessary expertise as a composer. Instead, he focused on creating a visually stunning and immersive film experience, emphasizing the rhythmic nature of the choreography as an integral part of the music.
"For me personally, I like it when [the music] feels like it's in the room," Chu said.
Despite missing some sound effects, the soundtrack still retains many beloved moments, such as Ariana Grande's iconic delivery of "Right!" in "Popular," complete with a resounding book slam.
As "Wicked" continues to captivate audiences, its success is a testament to the enduring power of the original musical and the exceptional vision of the film's creators. The sequel, "Wicked: For Good", promises to further enhance the "Wicked" legacy, ensuring that its cultural dominance will endure for years to come.
