Jon M. Chu skipped the 'Wicked' premiere to welcome his fifth child

Jon M. Chu, the director of "Wicked," found himself absent from the Los Angeles premiere for a rather joyous cause.

In an Instagram Story, Chu announced the arrival of his fifth child with wife Kristin Hodge. He expressed disbelief that the birth coincided with the premiere of his film.

"Magic is in the air," he mused, sharing an image of Hodge cradling their newborn daughter.

In a heartfelt note to his daughter, he welcomed her, saying, "Welcome to our world, you're destined for greatness. You have a coven of witches cheering you on."

"Wicked" features singer Ariana Grande and Oscar-nominated actress Cynthia Erivo as the iconic witches Glinda and Elphaba. This two-part cinematic endeavor is adapted from the celebrated Broadway musical, itself a prelude to "The Wizard of Oz," offering a fresh perspective on Oz before Dorothy’s fabled journey.

Though Chu missed the premiere in person, his influence pervaded the event. Inside the theater, a video message from Chu, recorded at the hospital, was shared before the movie commenced.

Addressing the audience, he said, “I’ve awaited this film-sharing moment for three years, but a lifetime for this—a fifth child’s arrival.” The crowd responded with a collective “aww” at his heartfelt words.

With humor, Chu noted, “Naturally, this little one has impeccable timing.”

The ensemble cast includes Jonathan Bailey, Bowen Yang, Ethan Slater, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum.

"Wicked: Part One" is set to enchant theaters on November 22, with its sequel anticipated in November 2025.