Jon M. Chu brought his entire family to the red carpet for the New York City premiere of “Wicked: For Good” on November 17, creating a heartwarming scene that put the Jon M. Chu family red carpet moment in the spotlight. The director was joined by his wife Kristin Hodge and their five children for their first complete family premiere experience, making the event both a celebration of the film and a personal milestone.
The Chu Family’s Coordinated Red Carpet Entrance
For the special evening in New York City, Jon M. Chu wore a heather gray wool coat paired with a black scarf, keeping his look classic and understated. His wife, graphic designer Kristin Hodge, complemented him in an elegant black-and-white strapless gown, further elevated with a sparkling diamond necklace and a sophisticated updo hairstyle.
Their children—Willow, Jonathan Heights, Ruby, Iggy, and Stevie Sky—were dressed to charm. The boys wore matching teal suits with black undershirts, while the girls appeared in pink tulle skirts and white sweaters, channeling a princess-like appearance. The coordinated outfits emphasized their unity, showing the passion and effort put into making the night memorable for the entire family.
A Meaningful Premiere After Missing the First
This red carpet event marked the first time Jon M. Chu and his full family attended a “Wicked” premiere together. During the first installment’s debut, Chu was notably absent because Kristin Hodge had gone into labor with their youngest, Stevie Sky. Sharing his reflection on that missed moment, Jon M. Chu offered his thoughts during a pre-recorded message:
“I can’t believe this happened while the movie is premiering,”
Jon M. Chu, Director
“Magic is in the air. Welcome to our world. You’re gonna do great. You have a lot of witches on your side.”
Jon M. Chu, Director
He recounted how the timing of his youngest child’s arrival made the moment even more significant for his family and fans of the franchise. Chu elaborated on how he nearly made it to the red carpet before the birth:
“I was at the hotel across the street, ready to come,”
Jon M. Chu, Director
“My whole family’s there. My friends, all our loved ones are there. And I’ve waited for three years to have this moment to share our movie with you… but I’ve waited my whole life to have this moment, to have our fifth child right now.”
Jon M. Chu, Director
Celebrated Guests Join the ‘Wicked: For Good’ Premiere
Beyond the Chu family’s touching appearance, the premiere in New York City was a star-studded gathering. Many prominent figures attended, showcasing the broad appeal and significance of the event for Hollywood and Broadway alike.
The guest list included Ariana Grande, who wore custom Schiaparelli, and Cynthia Erivo in Balenciaga. Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum, who paired Prada with a Jacob & Co. timepiece, were also present. Others on the red carpet were Ethan Slater, Marissa Bode, Bowen Yang, and Bronwyn James, joined by Colman Domingo in Dolce & Gabbana, Scarlett Spears, and Jon M. Chu himself.
Additional celebrities such as Nina Dobrev, Megan Hilty, Claire Danes, Trisha Paytas, Constance Wu, Natasha Bedingfield, and Jimmy Fallon brought even more excitement to the evening. Appearances by Auli’i Cravalho, David Burtka with Harper Burtka-Harris, Gayle King, Justine Lupe, Phillipa Soo with Andrew Chappelle, Ariana Biermann with Gia Giudice, Hasan Minha & Beena Patel, Melanie C & Chris Dingwall, Patricia Clarkson, Remi Bader (in Rodarte), and Bob the Drag Queen capped off an impressive turnout that celebrated both the arts and the spirit of the occasion.
Why the Chu Family’s Red Carpet Moment Matters
For Jon M. Chu, this red carpet event represented more than just a movie premiere; it stood for a reunion and a public moment of joy with loved ones, both family and friends. With emotional candor, Chu shared how significant it was to finally have all his children together for a career milestone after missing a similar moment before. The combined presence of stars such as Michelle Yeoh, Ariana Grande, and Gayle King, alongside the Chu family, highlighted the cultural importance and communal nature of the “Wicked: For Good” premiere in New York City.
The Chu family’s appearance set a passionate, celebratory tone for the event, drawing attention not only to their personal story but also to the enduring appeal of the Wicked franchise. As Hollywood continues to celebrate such events, fans can expect more heartfelt moments and grand gatherings in the future, making each premiere a chance for both artistic and personal achievement to shine.
WICKED premiere: Director Jon Chu can’t make it to the green and pink event because his wife is about to give birth to their fifth child… but he sends along a video intro. pic.twitter.com/vTLvnTXX1N
— Borys Kit (@Borys_Kit) November 10, 2024
