Following the success of his blockbuster film, Crazy Rich Asians, director Jon M. Chu has struck a deal with Disney’s 20th Century Fox Television for a four-year contract to direct, produce, and develop new shows. This is Chu’s first TV deal with the studio.
“Throughout my film career I have been lucky enough to play in many genres from dance and music to action, romantic-comedy, documentary, drama and beyond,” Chu said. “So it was crucial for me, as a storyteller, to find a partner in the television space that had the same vast interests and willingness to break the mold with new perspectives and stories that represent the diverse world we live in. Dana Walden and her team at 20th Century Fox TV was the undisputed choice to join forces with. Their daring taste and ability to combine important subject matter with cutting edge, sophisticated entertainment is second to none. I can’t wait to build new worlds with them and take the audience on a wild ride. Let’s go!”
Currently, Chu is working with Netflix on a dramatization of the miraculous story of the Thai cave rescue mission that took place last year. Chu is also serving as director and executive producer for Apple’s Home Before Dark series which will be available on its streaming service, Apple TV Plus – launching in the fall of 2019. Lin-Man Miranda’s In the Heights will receive a film adaptation from Jon M. Chu.
The studio was well-aware of Chu’s value and demand in the entertainment business.
Jonnie Davis, president of creative affairs, said in statement, “Jon directed one of the biggest, most entertaining and uplifting hits of the year in Crazy Rich Asians, starring our own Constance Wu, and getting him to this studio became nothing short of a mission to Terence [Carter, EVP development, comedy and drama] and our development teams. He has spectacular taste and talent loves him. We’re excited he’s making this studio his creative home.”