“Crazy Rich Asians” director Jon M. Chu has signed his first TV overall deal with 20th Century Fox Television, the studio announced on Monday.
Chu has signed to a four-year overall deal to develop, produce and potentially direct new TV projects for 20th, becoming the latest target in the studio’s signing spree in the weeks since its acquisition by Disney.
The director already has a number of projects in the pipeline, including a film adaptation of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “In the Heights” and a dramatization of the Thai cave rescue story for Netflix. He is also attached as director and executive producer on the series “Home Before Dark” for Apple’s upcoming streaming service.
“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 in a statement. “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,” he continued. “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!”
Jonnie Davis, president of creative affairs, said in a 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.”
Chu is repped by UTA, Artists First and attorney Allison Binder of Stone, Genow, Smelkinson, Binder & Christopher.