Why Did Wicked’s Maestro Jon M. Chu Snub Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Cameo Dream? ‘Oops, My Bad Lin!’

Hello, dear Bollywood aficionados! It’s your favorite snoop, Bollywood Newshound Nisha, back with another spicy scoop from the world of glitz and glam. Ready for some juicy tidbits? Grab your chai, settle in, and let’s spill some tea!

Picture this: Broadway genius Lin-Manuel Miranda, the creative maestro behind smash hits like Hamilton, Encanto, and Moana, vying for a teeny-tiny role in the upcoming 2024 Wicked movie. You’d think with his celebrity filled CV, directors would be lining up to cast him in anything, right? 🎭

Well, enter Jon M. Chu, the director with nerves of steel who dared to say "No" to Miranda. Yep, you heard it right! Chu shared with Variety the tale of how Lin-Manuel, bless his musical heart, made "many calls" to bag a quirky role. His dream? To be the Munchkinland citizen who quizzically asks Glinda (played by Ariana Grande) about Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), "Is it true you were her friend?" Talk about ambition! 😂

Chu, however, stood his ground, claiming Miranda’s presence would be "too distracting." Oh, the heartbreak! But our Lin-Manuel was relentless, even tweeting the director, "WICKED MOVIE! FINALLY," in a bid to charm his way in. Alas, the role fluttered away to actress Kirsty Anne Shaw. Better luck next time, Lin! 📞

Despite the casting snub, all’s well in the world of Miranda and Chu. The duo was spotted grinning from ear to ear at the National Board of Review Awards Gala in NYC. Oh, and did I mention Chu snagged the Best Director award for Wicked? Bravo, Jon! 🏆

With a starry lineup that includes Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, Ethan Slater, and the legendary Jeff Goldblum, the Wicked movie promises to be nothing short of a spectacle. Last year, the musical’s film adaptation raked in a staggering $709 million globally. Talk about wickedly successful! 💰

Nisha’s Nutshell: In the razzle-dazzle world of showbiz, even the brightest stars sometimes have to face the "no" word. But hey, if Lin-Manuel can handle it, so can we, right? Remember, in Bollywood (or Hollywood), persistence might just earn you a ticket to the next blockbuster! 🌟