Why Jon M. Chu Sees Both ‘Wicked’ Movies as One Epic, Like ‘The Lord of the Rings’

The latest episode of 'Dancing With the Stars' featured a magical 'Wicked Night' where emotional performances led to the season's first perfect scores. Guest judge John M. Chu brought a fresh perspective as couples danced to beloved songs from the musical 'Wicked,' embodying characters like Elphaba and Glinda. This episode not only showcased incredible talent but also highlighted the emotional journeys of the contestants, making it a memorable night for fans and participants alike.

On the latest episode of 'Dancing With The Stars,' viewers experienced a magical 'Wicked' night, complete with guest judge Jon M. Chu. The performances transported everyone to Oz, showcasing the contestants' talents in a themed setting. While the episode was filled with excitement, it also revealed which contestant was sent home, adding a layer of drama to the competition. This episode matters as it highlights the show's ability to blend entertainment with popular culture, keeping audiences engaged week after week.

Shakira has expressed her enthusiastic support for Bad Bunny's upcoming Super Bowl halftime show in a recent interview with Variety. Despite facing criticism, including from the Trump administration, she believes it's high time for Bad Bunny to take the stage. This endorsement not only highlights Shakira's solidarity with fellow artists but also emphasizes the growing recognition of diverse musical talents in major events like the Super Bowl.

Jiaoying Summers is making waves with her first hour-long comedy special, 'What Specie Are You?', set to premiere on Hulu on November 8. Recognized as one of Variety's 10 Comics to Watch, Summers uses her unique comedic style to explore the differences and commonalities among people. This special is significant not just for its humor but also for its timely message about unity and diversity, making it a must-watch for fans of comedy.

In the latest episode of the 'Daily Variety' podcast, Rebecca Rubin discusses the impressive performance of 'Black Phone 2' at the box office, highlighting its strong connection with audiences. This year has seen a record-breaking tally for the horror genre, showcasing its growing popularity. Additionally, Todd Spangler provides insights into the upcoming Q3 earnings for major players like Netflix and Disney, making this episode a must-listen for film and business enthusiasts alike.

'Wicked: For Good' is generating excitement as fans eagerly await the release of its second installment following the success of 'Wicked: Part One' in November 2024. This sequel promises to continue the captivating story that has enchanted audiences, making it a highly anticipated event in the film industry.

Broadway musicians are preparing to strike if their contract negotiations do not yield results by Thursday morning. The union, Local 802 AFM, is entering mediation on October 22, and the outcome is crucial for the livelihoods of the musicians involved. This situation highlights the ongoing challenges in the performing arts sector, especially as they recover from the impacts of the pandemic.

Exciting news for fans of the musical 'Wicked'! The upcoming sequel, 'Wicked: For Good', has revealed that the Cowardly Lion will be voiced by a talented actor from 'Euphoria'. This casting choice has sparked a lot of buzz online, especially with speculation surrounding big names like Lin-Manuel Miranda. This matters because it not only highlights the continued popularity of the 'Wicked' franchise but also showcases the blending of talents from different successful shows, promising a fresh take on beloved characters.

Fox Sports is gearing up for an exciting 2026 FIFA World Cup by committing to broadcast all 104 matches live, both on its main network and FS1. This extensive coverage is a significant move for fans, ensuring they won't miss a moment of the action during the tournament. With the World Cup being one of the most-watched sporting events globally, this plan highlights Fox's dedication to delivering comprehensive sports content and enhancing viewer experience.

Fox Sports is gearing up for the FIFA 2026 World Cup with an impressive schedule of 69 live games, marking a significant increase from previous years. This move not only highlights Fox Sports' commitment to bringing extensive coverage of the tournament but also reflects the growing excitement around the World Cup, which is set to be one of the biggest sporting events globally. With 66% of the total matches under their belt, fans can look forward to a thrilling experience as they cheer for their favorite teams.

Pete Cory, a former YouTube executive, has been appointed as the Chairman of Arcade, the management company for the popular YouTube group The Sidemen. This move follows a significant investment from Thomas Benski's Lumina Media, which has acquired a minority stake in Arcade. The Sidemen, who began as a YouTube collective, have expanded their brand to include shows on Netflix and a wide range of merchandise. Cory's experience in the digital space is expected to help Arcade navigate the evolving landscape of online entertainment, making this a pivotal moment for both the company and The Sidemen.

Fans of 'Love Is Blind' Season 9 are curious about the relationship status of Ali Lima and Anton Yarosh after the finale. The couple's journey through the show has captivated viewers, and many are eager to know if they tied the knot or faced challenges at the altar. This curiosity highlights the show's impact on its audience and the ongoing discussions about love and relationships in reality TV.

Patrick John Flueger, known for his role as Officer Adam Ruzek on Chicago P.D., is taking a leave of absence from the show. This news is significant as it raises questions about the show's future storylines and how the absence of a key character will be addressed. Fans are curious about how this will impact the dynamics of the series, especially in its 13th season.

Paramount and Comcast have poured over $1 billion into their European streaming service, SkyShowtime, which is still struggling to turn a profit after three years since its launch in 20 markets, including Spain and Poland. This situation highlights the challenges faced by new streaming platforms in a competitive market, raising questions about the sustainability of such investments and the future of SkyShowtime.