Jon M. Chu opens up about battling imposter syndrome and feeling he didn’t deserve Hollywood success, despite directing Wicked and Crazy Rich Asians.
- May 4, 2026
AceShowbiz - Jon M. Chu recently shared candid reflections on the self-doubt he has battled throughout his nearly two-decade career as a filmmaker.
During a Canva Create panel held last month at SoFi Stadium, the director behind Wicked revealed that at one point, he genuinely felt he did not "deserve to be in Hollywood." This feeling of imposter syndrome led him to question why he was the one chosen to tell his stories.
He recalled the moment when his filmography was highlighted, and Crazy Rich Asians was mentioned as a pivotal project in his life. According to a report by People, Jon M. Chu explained that his journey felt like winning the lottery—something so lucky and unexpected that it made him unsure how he got there or if it could happen again.
This sense of disbelief at his own success underscores the challenges even established creatives face in trusting their own place in the industry. Despite his accomplishments, Chu continues to wrestle with the question of worthiness, a struggle that resonates with many artists navigating competitive fields.
His openness sheds light on the emotional complexities behind the glamour of Hollywood and highlights the perseverance required to sustain a creative career amid ongoing self-reflection.