10 movies that took years — or decades — to make
- From scripts to costumes and set designs, it takes a lot to make a movie.
- James Cameron’s “Avatar” (2009) took two decades to make.
- Jon M. Chu’s screen adaptation of “Wicked” was 20-some years in the making.
They say good things come to those who wait. “Wicked” director Jon M. Chu knows this well.
“I’ve been chasing ‘Wicked’ for 20 years,” he told The New York Times in November 2024.
Chatter about turning the beloved Broadway musical (which premiered in 2003) into a screen adaptation had circulated since 2010; but Chu wasn’t officially offered the project until 2021.
“I thought, oh, they don’t think we’re going to make this movie!” Chu told the Times. “But that’s what they don’t know about me. I make movies. I know how to get a movie made. It’s like a superpower of mine.”
Despite production delays and the SAG-AFTRA strike in July 2023, part one of “Wicked” was released in November 2024 and grossed more than $728 million worldwide.
It is nominated for 10 Oscars on Sunday, March 2, including best picture, best actress (Cynthia Erivo), best supporting actress (Ariana Grande), and best costume design.
As the world waits to see if Chu’s patience will yield the ultimate awards season prize, here’s a look back at 10 movies that took a long time to make.
