13 musical film adaptations coming to screens soon
Here’s a run down of currently planned musicals making their way to the big screen.
A number of Broadway and West End shows are currently being adapted into movies – here’s all the latest on what’s in the works and when they’re set for release.
Everybody’s Talking About Jamie
The Everybody’s Talking About Jamie movie has all been filmed – it’s just a question of release. Originally due out in October 2020, it was recently pushed back to February but has been delayed indefinitely due to the pandemic. Newcomer Max Harwood will make his professional debut in the title role while other cast include Richard E. Grant as former drag queen and Jamie’s mentor Hugo and Sharon Horgan as Jamie’s teacher Miss Hedge. Sarah Lancashire will play his mother Margaret while Shobna Gulati, from the original stage cast, will reprise her role of Ray.
In the Heights
The In The Heights movie was originally due out last summer but will now be in cinemas on June 18, 2021. The cast will be led by Anthony Ramos as Usnavi with Corey Hawkins as Benny, Melissa Barrera as Vanessa and Leslie Grace as Nina. Further casting includes Daphne Rubin-Vega as Daniela, Stephanie Beatriz as Carla and Dascha Polanco as Cuca, Olga Merediz as Abuela Claudia, Jimmy Smits as Kevin Rosario, Gregory Diaz IV as Sonny, Noah Catala as Graffiti Pete and Marc Anthony as Mr. de la Vega.
West Side Story
A new film adaption of West Side Story is coming in 2021 after being delayed from its original 2020 release. The movie features a screenplay by Tony Kushner – who wrote the musical’s book – with direction by Steven Spielberg. The cast features Ansel Elgort as Tony, Rachel Zegler as Maria, Ariana DeBose as Anita, David Alvarez as Bernardo, Corey Stoll as Police Lieutenant Schrank, Brian d’Arcy James as Police Sergeant Krupke, Rita Moreno as Valentina, Mike Faist as Riff and Curtiss Cook as Abe.
Wicked
A Wicked movie has been in the works for many years. Originally due for release in December 2021 it has now been delayed to an as yet unannounced date. Stephen Daldry is to direct but no cast has been confirmed just yet.
Dear Evan Hansen
Universal is working on a big screen adaption of Dear Evan Hansen with songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, book writer Steven Levenson and director Stephen Chbosky. No release date has been confirmed yet but the DEH movie cast has been revealed!
Come From Away
Broadway and West End hit Come From Away is being turned into a musical with a first draft of the screenplay written. Further details including cast and a release date are to be confirmed.
The Band / Greatest Days
Take That musical The Band is to be turned into a feature film, it’s been revealed. The movie adaption is to be called Greatest Days and is scheduled to begin filming later this year. The story follows five young girls who are fans of a fictional boy band in the 1990s before jumping 25 years forward to follow them as adults.
Matilda
A movie version of Matilda the Musical is in early production. Emma Thompson has been announced to play Miss Trunchball while Lashana Lynch – set to appear in the upcoming new Bond movie – will play Miss Honey. A release date is to be confirmed.
Mean Girls
Mean Girls – the book turned film turned musical – is set to be turned into a film once more. Along with news of a West End transfer, it’s been announced that there are early plans for a filmed version of the musical. There’s no word yet on cast or release.
Once On This Island
Disney+ is reportedly working on a Once On This Island film adaption Playwright Jocelyn Bioh and director Wanuri Kahiu are said to be working together on the adaption which will be produced by Marc Platt. There’s no word yet on casting or release date.
The Prom
A movie adaption of The Prom musical is arrived on Netflix on December 11. The all star cast features Meryl Streep, James Corden, Nicole Kidman, Andrew Rannells, Kevin Chamberlin, Keegan-Michael Key, Ariana DeBose and newcomer Jo Ellen Pellman.
Tick, Tick…Boom!
Netflix is working on a film version of Jonathan Larson’s Tick, Tick… Boom!. Lin-Manuel Miranda will direct the adaption which will be written by Steven Levenson. Andrew Garfield has been cast for the lead role of Jon with Vanessa Hudgens, Alexandra Shipp and Robin de Jesus also confirmed for the cast. A release date has yet to be set.
Fiddler on the Roof
A new film adaption of hit musical Fiddler on the Roof is in the works at MGM. Hamilton’s Thomas Kail with a screenplay by Dear Evan Hansen scribe Steven Levenson. There’s no further news yet.
