Lin-Manuel Miranda's "In The Heights" To Get Film Adaptation
Picked up by Weinstein Co. after being shelved by Universal.
Though it’s Hamilton that’s been all the rage on Broadway as of late, it’s creator Lin-Manuel Miranda’s other play, 2008’s In The Heights, that’s receiving a film adaptation.
Previously in development with Universal Pictures, who opted out of the project in 2011 because of its budget, the Weinstein Co. has now picked it up with hopes of making $15 million, according to Billboard.
Miranda, who wrote the original, will serve as producer, alongside theater and film veteran Scott Sanders (Evita, The Color Purple). Though no director is yet in place, the rendition appears to be in good hands as the Weinstein Co. is what brought Chicago to the big screen years ago, earning it the 2002 Oscar for Best Picture. The company will be using a script by Quiara Alegria Hudes, who wrote the book for the original stage show.
In the Heights ran on Broadway until 2011, earning the Tony Awards for Best Musical and Best Original Score in 2008, as well as the 2009 Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album. Set in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan, it follows Usnavi, a bodega owner who feels conflicted about closing his store to retire in the Dominican Republic after inheriting his grandmother’s money.
It is still unconfirmed whether or not Miranda will star on screen as he did on stage.