Lin-Manuel Mirandafans, take a sigh of relief. We’re still going to have quite the wait before we ever get to seeHamiltonon the big screen, but according to Deadline, Miranda’s Tony-award winning musicalIn the Heightshas dodged going to down with the Weinstein ship. A film adaptation ofIn the Heightswas set up at The Weinstein Company back in 2016, and the future of the project came into question (along with many others) in the aftermath of the allegations against Harvey Weinstein and subsequent fallout at his production company.
Per the report, the rights for the project quietly reverted back to the creators before The Weinstein Co. went into bankruptcy, because the film didn’t roll into production by end of year. Pulitzer Prize-winning playwrightQuiara Alegria Hudes, who wrote the book for the original stage show, penned the script with Miranda’s music and lyrics. Miranda is also set to produce withNow You See Me 2andStep Up 3DhelmerJohn Chuset to direct.
Set in a largely Dominican neighborhood of Manhattan’s Washington Heights, the musical follows narrator Unsavi as he struggles with the idea of shutting down his bodega shop and returning to his roots in the Dominican Republic. Miranda originated the role of Unsavi in the Broadway production, though there’s been no indication he intends to return to the role for the film, what with his insanely busy schedule and all.
Miranda will next appear alongsideEmily Bluntin Disney’sMary Poppins Returns, which hits theaters this Christmas, and he recently joined the cast for BBC’s adaptation of Philip Pullman’s beloved fantasy seriesHis Dark Materials. Miranda is in talks for the role of Lee Scoresby, a Texan aeronaut who lends a hand in a magical adventure. On the creative side, Miranda is booked as ever. Hamilton is till kicking up a box office storm on Broadway and tour, and Miranda has been keeping busy in the film world, lining up an animated movieVivoat Sony, an adaptation ofThe Kingkiller Chronicles, and a live-action remake ofThe Little Mermaidat Disney.
As forIn the Heights, the project could encounter some hangups in court, but word is Miranda and Co. plan to shop the film around to new studios, with both Warner Bros. and Disney emerging as strong contenders.
For more on what’s keeping the Miranda busy these days, check out the links below:
