What's Next in Lin-Manuel Miranda's "Nonstop" Life?
“How to account for his rise to the top? Maaaaan, the man is non-stop.” Lin-Manuel Miranda that is. Even though the Tony Awards are coming up on June 12 (and Hamilton has a record-breaking 16 nominations), Miranda, the show’s creator, isn’t resting on his laurels. As he continues starring in the Broadway megahit Hamilton through July 9, he’s already getting his feet wet with another major project: a film adaptation of In the Heights.
Miranda (center) from his In the Heights days. Photo by Joan Marcus.
If you’re not familiar with his earlier hit, In the Heights, which Miranda began writing during undergrad, had a nearly three-year Broadway run from 2008 to 2011. The show depicts life in NYC’s Washington Heights neighborhood, and in Hamilton fashion, it employed various genres like rap and salsa. It took home five Tonys including Best Musical, Best Original Score (written by Miranda) and Best Choreography (Andy Blankenbuehler). Now that we’re all up to speed, can we agree that we’re sold on a movie version produced by Miranda? (I believe that’s called a #HamilWin.)
According to The Hollywood Reporter, discussions about an In the Heights movie began several years ago when Kenny Ortega (of High School Musical fame) was championing it. The plans were nixed for budgetary reasons. Now, Miranda, who’s working with Harvey Weinstein on the adaptation, thinks he can pull it off with just $15 million. While we have our fingers crossed that Miranda will reprise the lead role of bodega owner Usnavi, casting decisions have yet to be announced.
Even if he doesn’t end up appearing as Usnavi, Miranda will still be on the big screen in the near future. Catch him in Disney’s Mary Poppins Returns, due in theaters Christmas 2018. What did we tell you? He’s nonstop!
