’Don’t Think You’re…’: Crazy Rich Asians Director Jon M. Chu Reveals Scooter Braun Initially Rejected Him For Justin Bieber’s Never Say Never Documentary

As a die-hard fan of Jon M. Chu and his incredible journey in Hollywood, I can’t help but be in awe of how he turned the tables and got the chance to direct Justin Bieber’s first concert film, “Never Say Never.” When I read about his initial hesitation from Scooter Braun, I couldn’t believe it! But Chu, being the determined and passionate filmmaker that he is, didn’t give up. He saw potential in Bieber’s story and pitched a documentary-style film that captured the singer’s rise to fame. And that’s exactly what happened!


I recall the 2018 American romantic comedy-drama movie that stole everyone’s hearts. Its acclaimed director, Jon M. Chu, has an intriguing backstory. You might not believe it, but before he brought magic to the big screen with that film, he was invited to helm Justin Bieber’s first concert movie, Never Say Never. But here’s a twist: Initially, Justin’s manager, Scooter Braun, had some reservations about entrusting the project to Jon. In my expert opinion, these behind-the-scenes challenges often lead to remarkable collaborations!

In his recent memoir, Viewfinder, Chu described how the production head at Paramount inquired if he wanted to create a 3D film. However, it wasn’t until Chu browsed Bieber’s YouTube channel that he became convinced, captivated by the enthusiasm of fans and eager to explore more about the singer and his rising fame.

When he returned to the studio with the update, the executive informed him that he required the consent of manager Braun first. Initially, Braun expressed his doubt, saying, “I’m not convinced you’re the best filmmaker for this project.” Chu perceived this as a motivation to prove himself worthy.

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What did Jon M. Chu do to change Scooter Braun’s mind? 

I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Jon M. Chu as a tenacious filmmaker who never gives up on his vision. When he approached me with a documentary-style film idea about Justin Bieber’s journey to fame, I was initially skeptical. However, Chu’s passion and determination were contagious. He convinced me by highlighting how Bieber’s story could inspire the new generation, just like the classic movie “Rocky” did for us. Chu shared that he had read online that “Rocky” was one of Bieber’s favorite films, adding an interesting connection between the two. Impressed by his persistence and creativity, I remember responding with a simple yet impactful “Okay. Let’s go.” That decision led to the production of an inspiring film that captured the world’s attention. Chu’s resilience and dedication to telling compelling stories are truly admirable.

In 2011, the release of that movie was a huge hit and made $73 million at the U.S. box office, making it the second highest-grossing concert film there, as reported by Box Office Mojo. However, in 2023, Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour surpassed that amount.

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Jon M. Chu on Justin Bieber

When I finally came face to face with Bieber, my heart skipped a beat. In that very instant, I got it – why hordes of fans were utterly captivated by him. His gaze held an irresistible power that made you feel like the universe revolved around you alone. I penned down this experience in my memoir with unabashed enthusiasm.

The director added that he delightfully passed the time with the Friends artist during their tours, and now recalls the surge of interest following Bieber’s shout-out on social media. He shared that his follower count unexpectedly soared by hundreds every second.

After the impressive achievement of the project, Justin Bieber asked Chu to come over to Braun’s place at a later time. There, they discussed plans for creating another concert film named “Justin Bieber: Believe.” Impressed by Chu’s work, Bieber proposed that he direct this upcoming production.

Chu pointed out that there had been a transformation in the pop star’s behavior. He remarked that Bieber grew more irritable, leading to a confrontation with a photographer and ensuing scandals in the gossip columns.

Reflecting on their past, Chu expressed his affection towards the singer and wished him a fulfilling life filled with good health and happiness. “Viewfinder” can be bought right now.

 

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2024-07-29 18:40