Jon Chu is in early talks to direct Lin-Manuel Miranda‘s “In the Heights” for The Weinstein Company, an individual with knowledge of the project told TheWrap.
“In the Heights” is based on the Tony Award-winning musical in which Miranda starred. Miranda is producing the film, alongside Scott Sanders and Mara Jacobs. Quiara Alegria Hudes wrote the screenplay after Marc Klein wrote an earlier draft.
In “Heights,” Miranda originated the role of Usanvi, a Dominican-American bodega owner. It’s currently unclear if he’ll reprise the role, though the insider said his on-screen involvement has yet to be ironed out.
Central to the story is Usnavi, who struggles with the idea of closing up his shop and returning to his roots in the Dominican Republic.
“In the Heights” was also nominated for the 2009 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and won the 2007 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Choreography.
Chu recently directed “Now You See Me 2” and “Jem and the Holograms.” His other credits include Justin Bieber‘s documentary “Never Say Never” and “G.I. Joe: Retaliation.”
Reps for Chu and The Weinstein Company did not immediately return TheWrap’s request for comment.
Chu is represented by WME and Principato-Young.