Jon M. Chu announces he is stepping down as director of Disney+ series Willow amid news he and wife Kristin Hodge are expecting third child
Jon M. Chu has announced he will be dropping out of directing the Disney+ series Willow.
The Crazy Rich Asians director revealed several factors played into his decision to step away – including his growing family.
The 41-year-old, who announced he and wife Kristin Hodge were expecting their third child this summer, wrote to his social media platforms on Monday: ‘I’m heartbroken to let you all know that I unfortunately have to step away from directing Willow.’
Willow update: Jon M. Chu announced he and his wife Kristin Hodge are expecting their third child together and that the pregnancy news and change of production schedule has forced him to drop out of the upcoming series, Willow
Chu revealed that the moving of the production schedule, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, also played a role in his decision to drop out of helming Willow, stating, ‘the timing is just not going to work out for me and my family.’
‘As you may know, Willow has been one of my favorite movies since I was a child, so I’m devastated that I won’t be able to work with some of my heroes old and new,’ he added, while naming some of the producers, writers, cast and crew working on the series
‘Like a kid seeing Willow for the first time in the ’80s, I will look forward to watching this magical new world unfold as a very enthusiastic fan. And boy do they have an adventure in store for you! I can’t wait for you all to experience it soon.’
Statement: Chu, 41, shared about his disappointment in dropping out of directing Willow and that it has been one of his favorite film’s since he was a child
Growing family: This will be Chu and wife Kristin Hodge’s third child; the couple are seen celebrating their second wedding anniversary in July 2020
Chu ended the statement by offering ‘much love’ to his fans and that they ‘take care of each other during these fast changing times.’
It’s been revealed that the Willow series will follow the events of the Ron Howard-directed hit film from 1988. Howard is returning as executive producer for the new project.
In a likely sign of his fandom, Chu and Hodge have a three-year-old daughter named Willow.
The couple have a three-year-old daughter named Willow and a 17-month-old son Jonathan Heights; the writer and director is pictured with his children in June 2020
They also have a 17-month-old son Jonathan Heights, who’s middle name came from his upcoming movie In The Heights, which is a movie adaption of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tony-winning musical.
The movie was originally set to debut in June 2020, but it has since been moved to June 2021 due to the coronavirus crisis, and will be available in theaters and HBO Max the same day.
Chu garnered global recognition when he directed 2018’s breakout smash hit film Crazy Rich Asians, grossing $238.5 million at the worldwide box office on just a $30 million budget.
Breakout: Chu garnered global recognition when he directed 2018’s smash hit film Crazy Rich Asians, grossing $238.5 million at the worldwide box office on just a $30 million budget