If you're a fan of Broadway and sorely missing being able to catch a show when you're in New York City, you'll be happy to know that more film adaptations of Broadway hits are on the horizon. There are a bunch of movie versions of popular Broadway musicals currently filming or already in post-production (in addition to a few big-name projects that hit theaters recently), and it's super exciting for many theater fans. Of course, there's nothing quite like seeing a live stage show, but thanks to these films, the best of Broadway can be accessible to a much wider audience.
For many, the Broadway experience has long been a treasured but often elusive one. After all, how many people can actually afford theater tickets at upwards of $300 a pop? (Not to mention travel costs to get there for non-locals). But the stories that are told on Broadway and the artistry and performances showcased are phenomenal, and we happen to think that the movie versions have the power to enrich the lives of so many people who wouldn't otherwise ever get to see these shows in person.
Most Broadway film adaptations also get huge budgets since they're already proven to be popular and beloved, so the production quality is typically top-notch. Just look at Lin-Manuel Miranda's In the Heights: The music, choreography, sets, and costumes were all even bigger and better than we could have imagined, as has been the case with so many other Broadway-based movies, and that makes us pumped for what's to come. Keep scrolling to see what's coming to screens soon and what's in development.
'Dear Evan Hansen'
The much-anticipated film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical, starring Ben Platt, hit theaters on September 24, 2021, to mixed reviews — but true fans of the story, and those who've yet to see it, should definitely check it out. It's about a high schooler who embarks on an often challenging journey of self-discovery after a classmate takes his own life.
'Everybody's Talking About Jamie'
As an Amazon original, the movie adaptation of the Broadway show Everybody's Talking About Jamie didn't get a theater release, but it is currently available to stream. Inspired by a documentary, it's about a teenager from Sheffield, England, who has aspirations of becoming a drag queen.
'Tick, Tick … Boom!'
The next highly anticipated Broadway movie to arrive will be Tick, Tick … Boom! — also directed by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Hot on the heels of In the Heights' June 2021 release, this one stars big names including Vanessa Hudgens, Andrew Garfield, and MJ Rodriguez. It's the story of a New York theater composer who is approaching his 30th birthday. The movie hits theaters on November 12, 2021, and will be available on Netflix one week later on November 19.
'West Side Story'
Also set to hit theaters before the end of 2021 is Steven Spielberg's West Side Story remake, which has been pushed back multiple times but is expected to be fantastic. Starring newcomer Rachel Zegler, the classic tale of the longstanding feud between the Sharks and the Jets is scheduled to premiere on December 10, 2021.
'Cyrano'
Starring Game of Thrones' Peter Dinklage, Cyrano is based on the Edmond Rostand play Cyrano de Bergerac, which was originally written in 1897. It's about a man who is admired by his peers but struggles with self-doubt because of his appearance, and therefore thinks he is unworthy of the affections of the woman he loves.
'Matilda'
That's right, we're getting another Matilda movie. The Broadway play is actually based on the classic 1996 kids' film of the same name, which is an adaptation of the beloved Roald Dahl book. The new iteration, expected in December 2022, will be a musical produced by Netflix, which signed on some big stars including No Time To Die's Lashana Lynch and Oscar-winner Emma Thompson.
'The Little Mermaid'
The upcoming live-action film adaptation of Disney's The Little Mermaid has signed on a ton of talent, including singer Halle Bailey as Ariel and acclaimed actors Melissa McCarthy and Javier Bardem. The film will also feature music by Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Rob Marshall will serve as director. The film is scheduled to be released on May 26, 2023.
'The Color Purple'
Author Toni Morrison's The Color Purple will once again be adapted for film. Set to debut on December 20, 2023, this iteration will be a musical based on the stage show that came after the 1985 film. It's the story of a Black woman in the South that spans several decades as she endures abuse, injustice, racism, and bigotry, sometimes even at the hands of her own family.
'13'
13 is a slightly lesser-known Broadway musical about a young Jewish boy who moves from diverse New York City to a small town in Indiana after his parents' divorce. He faces the many complications involved in such a major life change, all while preparing for his bar mitzvah. The Netflix film adaptation will most notably star Debra Messing, Rhea Perlman, and Josh Peck. A release date has not yet been announced.
'The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee'
Disney is taking the helm on the film adaptation of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, a musical comedy that debuted on Broadway in 2005. The movie is still in the development stage, so there aren't many details available, but for those who don't already know (or can't tell by the title), the plot is centered on a middle school spelling bee.
'Beautiful: The Carole King Musical'
The film adaptation of the successful Broadway musical about the life of singer-songwriter Carole King will be produced by Tom Hanks, Gary Goetzman, and Paul Blake for Sony Pictures. The show focuses on the early life of Carole and features songs from her celebrated catalog, as the film likely will, too.
'Guys and Dolls'
In the near future, Guys and Dolls will reportedly get the film treatment once again. Bill Condon — best-known for the films Dreamgirls and Chicago — is set to direct the upcoming adaptation for TriStar Pictures. It's a musical comedy about a gambler on the hunt for a cheap location to host a craps game, who ends up making a risky bet in order to get the money to pay for it.
'Gypsy'
Gilmore Girls creator Amy Sherman Palladino has signed on to turn the Broadway classic Gypsy into a film for the second time. It's based on the 1950s-era memoirs of a stripper named Gypsy Rose Lee, except it actually focuses more on Gypsy's mother, who was evidently quite the stage mom.
'Mean Girls'
Based on the iconic 2004 film, Mean Girls first appeared on Broadway in 2017, with Tina Fey at the helm. Now, the show is set to be retooled as a movie. Tina will still be responsible for the screenplay, and Arturo Perez Jr. and Samantha Jayne have signed on as directors. The film is still in the development phase.
'Memphis'
They Tony-award-winning musical Memphis has been tapped to get the movie treatment, too. The show is inspired by the story of the 1950s-era, Memphis-based DJ Dewey Phillips, who was one of the first white DJs to play music by Black artists on the radio. Creator Joe DiPietro will write the screenplay.
'Miss Saigon'
Acclaimed Hollywood director Danny Boyle has signed on to head the film adaptation of Miss Saigon. The popular musical is a coming-of-age story about a young Asian woman who is left behind by her American lover. It's loosely based on the 1904 opera Madame Butterfly. This one is still in the early stages of development.
'South Pacific'
This is a big one, not just because South Pacific has been such a huge and enduring Broadway hit, but also because some major names have attached themselves to the project. Hugh Jackman, Justin Timberlake, and Michelle Williams are all set to star in the latest film adaptation of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical.
'Oliver!'
It's been a while since we've seen Ice Cube in a movie, but apparently he's partnering with Disney for a film adaptation of the Oliver! musical. Based on the classic Charles Dickens tale, Oliver Twist, the film will be directed by Hamilton's Thomas Kail. Presumably, this upcoming version will have a hip-hop twist, which should be interesting.
'Merrily We Roll Along'
We're not quite sure what to expect from this one, which will star Beanie Feldstein, Blake Jenner, and Ben Platt. A movie adaptation of Stephen Sondheim's Merrily We Roll Along has been announced, but apparently, it will be filmed over the course of 20 years (so the actors will age along with the story). It's about three friends and how their lives and relationships change over several decades. It's also being produced by Blumhouse, a production company predominantly known for horror films — should be interesting.
'Wicked'
Broadway fans have been itching for this one, and while the details are scant, a film adaptation of Wicked is in the works. It's of course the darker tale of The Wizard of Oz, told from the perspective of the Wicked Witch of the West, before she turns evil. Fingers crossed that Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth sign on!
'Sunset Boulevard'
Glenn Close has been tapped to star in an upcoming film adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Sunset Boulevard, which is actually based on a 1950s film of the same name. It's about a silent movie star who is yearning to return to the silver screen after the "talkies" all but end her career.
