If you have even the most peripheral knowledge of the Broadway world, you'll know that one show is making heaps of money. That musical is Hamilton which is poised to sweep the Tony awards this Sunday. As such, the man behind the magic, writer and actor Lin-Manuel Miranda has become a giant success, and has been booking a variety of film credits to accompany his status as Broadway royalty. And now it appears that Miranda's notoriety as lead to his Broadway musical being adapted into a big budget Hollywood movie. No, a Hamilton movie isn't coming yet, but rather an adaptation of his first Tony winning musical In The Heights.
THR is now reporting that a major Hollywood director is circling the project. That director is none other than Jon M. Chu, who currently has a blockbuster in theaters- Now You See Me 2. The Weinstein Co. has recently secured the rights to a film adaptation of In The Heights, and is trying to move quickly into pre-production on the heels of Hamilton's impending Tony wins. And Chu seems like a rather appropriate fit to direct the movie musical.
While Jon M. Chu has yet to direct a movie musical, he has done plenty of projects that have theatricality and dance on the forefront. In addition to Now You See Me 2, which is garnering positive reviews, Chu has also directed two Step Up movies, as well as Justin Bieber's concert movie Never Say Never. While the latter two films might not be critical darlings, it proved that Chu has a musical sensibility that will surely help him in bringing In The Heights to the big screen.
In The Heights is a hip hop musical that is set in the neighborhood of Washington Heights in New York City. The story follows a largely Latino-American cast of characters as they face a new crossroads, and the possibility of abandoning their neighborhood and community forever. In The Heights enjoyed a long Broadway run, and racked up an impressive four Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Additionally, the soundtrack went on to win a Grammy and the show was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. This musical was what cemented Lin-Manuel Miranda's role as a bonafide Broadway star, and surely helped him get Hamilton produced, which is the hottest ticket on Broadway, with the best seats currently going for an outstanding $849.
This is just the latest in Lin-Manuel Miranda's opportunities in the world of film. After seeing Hamilton, director J.J. Abrams hired Miranda to compose the music for Maz Kanata's cantina in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Additionally, he was recently cast in Mary Poppins Returns as the male lead alongside Emily Blunt. In the world of theater, it's Miranda's world and we're all just living in it.
We'll continue to update you on the In The Heights movie as more details become public.
