Originally published June 12, 2016. Updated April 15, 2018.
The popularity of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s hugely successful Broadway musical Hamilton, a show about the life of American Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, has renewed interest in a film adaptation of the multi-talented performer’s previous project In the Heights, which may have just found its director.
THR reports that Jon M. Chu is currently in talks to helm the movie and has already met with Miranda to discuss the project. Over the past few years, Chu has directed such films as Step Up 2: The Streets, Justin Bieber: Never Say Never, G.I. Joe: Retaliation, Jem and the Holograms and this weekend’s Now You See Me 2. The director is also attached to return for Now You See Me 3.
Last month, it was revealed that The Weinstein Company would begin working on the adaptation, taking over for Universal, who abandoned the project back in 2011, and ever since they have been moving fast. Miranda, Scott Sanders and Mara Jacobs are set to produce the movie, which tells the story of bodega owner Usnavi and the vibrant community that surrounds him in Washington Heights, Manhattan.
In the Heights, while nowhere near as big of a hit as Hamilton, debuted on Broadway in 2008 and garnered massive critical acclaim and numerous accolades, including four Tonys and a Grammy, during its run.
On top of writing the music and lyrics, Miranda starred in the show and, as of now, is undecided on “whether he will lead the cast of the film or opt for a younger actor.” The writer of the book that the musical is based on, Quiara Alegría Hudes, is on board to pen the script.
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