In the Heights is an upcoming American musical drama film directed by Jon M. Chu from a screenplay by Quiara Alegría Hudes. The film is based on the 2007 stage musical of the same name by Hudes and Lin-Manuel Miranda, who appears in a small role and stars Anthony Ramos in the role of Usnavi de la Vega. Corey Hawkins, Leslie Grace, Melissa Barrera, Olga Merediz, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Gregory Diaz IV, Stephanie Beatriz, Dascha Polanco, and Jimmy Smits also star.
In the Heights is scheduled to be released in the United States on June 18, 2021, by Warner Bros. Pictures. The film will also be available on the HBO Max streaming service on the same day.
Cast
- Anthony Ramos as Usnavi de la Vega
- Leslie Grace as Nina Rosario
- Ariana Greenblatt as young Nina
- Ariana S. Gomez as 12 year-old Nina
- Corey Hawkins as Benny
- Melissa Barrera as Vanessa
- Olga Merediz as “Abuela” Claudia
- Daphne Rubin-Vega as Daniela
- Gregory Diaz IV as Sonny de la Vega
- Stephanie Beatriz as Carla
- Dascha Polanco as Cuca
- Jimmy Smits as Kevin Rosario
- Noah Catala as Graffiti Pete
- Marc Anthony as Mr. de la Vega
- Lin-Manuel Miranda as Mr. Piragüero, the Piragua Guy
On November 7, 2008, Universal Pictures announced that they planned to adapt the original musical as a feature film for release in 2011. Kenny Ortega was set to direct the film, which was slated to begin filming in summer 2011. However, the project was canceled in March 2011. In January 2012, Lin-Manuel Miranda stated that the film adaptation was back under discussion. In May 2016, it was announced that Miranda would co-produce the film with Harvey Weinstein and backing from The Weinstein Company.
On June 10, 2016, Jon M. Chu came on board to direct the film adaptation of the musical.
In the aftermath of numerous sexual misconduct allegations made against Weinstein, his producer credit on the film was removed, with the rights to the film eventually auctioned off to Warner Bros. for $50 million.
In October 2018, Anthony Ramos was cast in an undisclosed role, later revealed to be the lead of Usnavi. On November 5, 2018, it was reported that Rita Moreno had begun talks with the studio to star in the film, however shortly afterward this was revealed to be incorrect.
In January 2019, Corey Hawkins was cast in the role of Benny. In April 2019, Jimmy Smits, Melissa Barrera, Leslie Grace, Olga Merediz, Gregory Diaz, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Stephanie Beatriz and Dascha Polanco were cast. In June 2019, Marc Anthony and Lin-Manuel Miranda joined the cast.
Filming began on June 3, 2019 in New York.
