Podcast Summary: On with Kara Swisher – Episode featuring John Chu on "Wicked," Silicon Valley, and Defying Hollywood’s Gravity

Release Date: November 18, 2024
Podcast: On with Kara Swisher
Host: Kara Swisher, Vox Media

Introduction

In this captivating episode of On with Kara Swisher, host Kara Swisher engages in an in-depth conversation with acclaimed director John Chu. The discussion centers around his latest film adaptation of the beloved musical "Wicked", the intertwining of Silicon Valley’s technological prowess with Hollywood’s creative endeavors, and the broader implications of these dynamics on the future of filmmaking. Featuring insights from Cynthia Erivo and insights from additional contributors like Ariana Grande and Jeremy McCarter, the episode delves into the complexities of modern cinema, representation, and the evolving landscape shaped by technology and politics.

John Chu’s Background and Inspirations

[05:07] John Chu:
John Chu opens up about his upbringing in Los Altos, Silicon Valley, where his parents owned Chef Chu’s, one of the area's premier Chinese restaurants. "Altos is one of the best Chinese restaurants in the area. I have gone there a bajillion times," he remarks, highlighting the deep-rooted connection between his family’s culinary business and his personal and professional development.

[10:17] Cynthia Erivo:
Cynthia shares, "I had every Think Different poster wallpapered on my thing," referencing Apple’s famed campaign that inspired her. Her admiration for Steve Jobs is palpable as she recounts meeting him: "He really wanted to meet you. And I'm from Los Altos, and my family has this restaurant."

The Making of "Wicked"

[03:22] John Chu:
Chu discusses the collaborative chemistry between stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, who portray Elphaba and Glinda respectively. "Their chemistry is off the charts," he notes, emphasizing the harmonious blend of their performances that brings depth to the characters.

[34:36] Cynthia Erivo:
Delving into the choreography, Cynthia explains, "Defying Gravity was probably the hardest thing I've ever shot in my life." She elaborates on the meticulous planning and emotional depth required to portray Elphaba’s transformation: "What story are we telling... It has to be emotionally satisfying."

[35:12] Jeremy McCarter:
Jeremy adds, "We built sets, 17 stages... We built Emerald City, we built Munchkin Land." This underscores the grand scale of production and the commitment to blending traditional craftsmanship with modern technology.

Technology and Filmmaking: Silicon Valley Meets Hollywood

[13:59] Cynthia Erivo:
Cynthia reflects on her dual upbringing in Silicon Valley and Hollywood: "I was raised in two worlds... I have a very good compass of which parts of each world work for what I do."

[16:14] Cynthia Erivo:
She discusses the shift in Silicon Valley’s influence post-Steve Jobs: "When the Silicon Valley mentality came to Hollywood... I got more skeptical when it shifted from inspiration to data."

[23:16] Jeremy McCarter:
Jeremy contrasts the immersive experience of cinema with streaming platforms: "A two-hour movie and a streaming service is like nothing. It's like you're microwaving your popcorn."

[46:34] Cynthia Erivo:
Touching on emerging technologies, Cynthia shares her experience editing with Vision Pro: "Editing virtual reality changed the game for me because I could make the screen as big as the room... I love that."

Representation and Diversity in Casting

[44:06] Cynthia Erivo:
Cynthia emphasizes the importance of diversity: "If you're retelling a timeless story... it should feel like all these iconic Characters are just normalized."

[44:48] Jeremy McCarter:
Jeremy highlights the inclusion of diverse characters: "We might be the first fantasy movie where we have accessibility ramps and stuff."

[45:12] Jeremy McCarter:
Discussing lessons learned from "Crazy Rich Asians," Cynthia admits, "I did not know the argument was like, do you have more South Asians in those scenes?"

[44:17] Cynthia Erivo:
She reflects on creating a diverse and authentic representation: "We are the first fantasy movie where we have accessibility ramps... It's the way the world looks."

AI in Filmmaking: Opportunities and Ethical Considerations

[48:11] Cynthia Erivo:
Cynthia shares her cautious optimism about AI: "I think when we think about how to tweak that, and we don't know the answers of how you're going to make it... It's really important for us to play with it and understand it."

[49:15] Cynthia Erivo:
She underscores the sacred nature of human creativity in storytelling: "You could not have thought of in a meeting. And that is actually the power of movies. And those things will always be sacred."

[50:08] Cynthia Erivo:
Discussing AI’s role in ideation, she states, "Here are a hundred different things. Here are the five that I really like... Movies, movies, movies."

Political Messages and Social Commentary in "Wicked"

[55:29] Cynthia Erivo:
Cynthia draws parallels between "Wicked" and contemporary political climates: "It's attacking anti-immigrant sentiments... We have to get ready for the uncomfortable fight."

[56:02] Ariana Grande:
Ariana comments on the film’s timely relevance: "She’s obviously pushing back against technocrats who want to spy and control Oz... It’s an important movie to see for me at the time."

[57:29] Cynthia Erivo:
She shares personal experiences of discrimination: "My sister called me and she was like, do you remember when we were walking across the street... Suddenly I was like, oh, yeah, I remember it."

[58:51] Cynthia Erivo:
Cynthia emphasizes the need for storytelling to confront societal issues: "We have to deal with the ugly parts... We are all roommates all of a sudden."

Future Projects and the Role of Storytelling

[63:43] Cynthia Erivo:
Looking ahead, Cynthia reveals her versatile aspirations: "I don’t have one movie that I dream of making, and that's it... Maybe Wicked was a piece of that, but it wasn't like, once I make that, I'm done."

[63:58] Cynthia Erivo:
She highlights ongoing projects and collaborations: "I have so much in development... I’m working with Pasek and Paul, and Andrew Lloyd Webber."

[61:37] Cynthia Erivo:
Cynthia reinforces the enduring power of storytelling: "Storytelling can be done in sound... It's happening at a rate that is way faster than anything we've ever seen."

Conclusion

In this thought-provoking episode, John Chu and Cynthia Erivo offer a nuanced exploration of modern filmmaking, where the magic of storytelling intersects with the relentless pace of technological advancement. They advocate for thoughtful integration of diversity, ethical considerations in AI, and the unwavering power of cinema to reflect and influence societal values. As Hollywood continues to evolve alongside Silicon Valley, their insights provide a roadmap for creators aiming to navigate and shape the future of entertainment with integrity and innovation.

Notable Quotes

• Cynthia Erivo [10:00]: "I'm Chef Chu's son everywhere I go. Louisiana, San Francisco, it doesn't matter."

• John Chu [13:13]: "If you think of those three movies as my new sort of view, it's my new View trilogy."

• Cynthia Erivo [17:16]: "Movies are like a museum. People pay money to go see the museum. It's the best of the best."

• Cynthia Erivo [22:34]: "Eyeballs and views don't equate to attention."

• Cynthia Erivo [29:38]: "Redefining what beauty is, what family looks like, what a hero is, what a villain is."

• Cynthia Erivo [42:25]: "It's like they're gonna teach her and they're gonna do this together."

• Cynthia Erivo [60:27]: "Storytelling is what people need, leadership. People need something to head toward."

Final Thoughts

This episode serves as a beacon for aspiring filmmakers and creatives, illustrating the intricate balance between embracing technological advancements and preserving the essence of human-centric storytelling. Through John Chu's visionary approach and Cynthia Erivo's passionate advocacy for diversity and authenticity, listeners gain valuable perspectives on sustaining relevance and impact in an ever-evolving industry.

For those who haven't listened to the episode yet, "On with Kara Swisher" provides an enriching dive into the minds shaping contemporary media and technology, making it a must-listen for enthusiasts and professionals alike.