Jon M. Chu is an American film director, screenwriter, and producer. He is best known for directing films such as Step Up 2: The Streets (2007), G.I. Joe: Retaliation (2013), Now You See Me 2 (2016), Crazy Rich Asians (2018), and In the Heights (2021).
Early life and education[]
Chu was born in Palo Alto, California, to a Taiwanese American mother, Ruth Chu, and a Taiwanese father, Lawrence Chu, who owned a successful restaurant business. He grew up in a culturally rich environment, learning about both American and Taiwanese traditions. Chu showed an early interest in filmmaking, experimenting with cameras and creating short films as a child. He attended Henry M. Gunn High School in Palo Alto, where he was valedictorian.
Chu then attended the University of Southern California (USC) School of Cinematic Arts, where he honed his filmmaking skills. While at USC, he won the Jack Nicholson Award for directing. He gained experience directing and producing several short films, including "Yellow Fever," which garnered attention and praise. He graduated from USC in 2003.
Career[]
Chu's career took off after his short film "Yellow Fever" screened at several film festivals, which led to him being noticed by industry professionals. His first feature film was Step Up 2: The Streets (2007), a dance film that became a commercial success. He followed this with Stop the World (2011), a web series.Chu's filmography diversified with action films like G.I. Joe: Retaliation (2013) and comedies such as 21 and Over (2013). He also directed the musical film Jem and the Holograms (2015), which was a critical and commercial disappointment. A turning point in Chu's career came with Crazy Rich Asians (2018), a romantic comedy featuring an all-Asian cast.
The film was a critical and box office success, becoming the highest-grossing romantic comedy in nearly a decade and a significant cultural phenomenon. This film cemented Chu's status as a prominent director in Hollywood. Following the success of Crazy Rich Asians, Chu directed the film adaptation of Lin-Manuel Miranda's musical In the Heights (2021). The film received positive reviews for its vibrant visuals and musical sequences. Chu also directed the two-part film adaptation of the musical Wicked, with both parts set for November 2024 and 2025 releases.
Personal life[]
Chu married Kristin Hodge in 2018. They have two children.
Filmography[]
- Step Up 2: The Streets (2007)
- 21 and Over (2013)
- G.I. Joe: Retaliation (2013)
- Jem and the Holograms (2015)
- Now You See Me 2 (2016)
- Crazy Rich Asians (2018)
- In the Heights (2021)
- Wicked (2024)
- Wicked: For Good (2025)
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