Because Lin-Manuel Miranda is really hurting for opportunity these days, the toast-of-Broadway composer, lyricist and star will now adapt a beloved animated film into live-action magic.
Walt Disney has tapped the “Hamilton” star for a flesh-and-bones take on “The Little Mermaid” — one of the studio’s most successful animated properties — individuals familiar with the project told TheWrap.
Miranda will be a producer with the prolific Marc Platt, who will deliver the film to Walt Disney Studios’ president of production Sean Bailey. Miranda will also consult on the story for the project with songwriter Alan Menken. A screenwriter has yet to be named.
“Hamilton” has been nothing short of a sensation thanks to its blockbuster ticket sales and a devout legion of fans comprised of theater natives, history buffs and hip-hop aficionados. It won 11 Tony Awards including Best Book and Best Musical for Miranda.
Disney is in the Miranda-hiring mood. He’ll appear on screen next in the studio’s sequel to “Mary Poppins,” which will star Emily Blunt and Meryl Streep.
The news was first reported by Deadline.
What Can't 'Hamilton' Creator Lin-Manuel Miranda Do? (Photos)
The multi-talented Lin-Manuel Miranda has done it all, performing from Broadway to the White House. Here's a look at his accomplishments through the years.
During his sophomore year of college, Miranda began writing what would ultimately become the Tony-winning Best Musical "In the Heights." What were you doing when you were 20?
Miranda is such a big deal that he was given the chance to voice the Loud Hailer during a performance of Broadway's "Les Miserables," all because he's a huge fan and it had been a lifelong dream of his. Check that one off the bucket list.
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Miranda and the cast of "Hamilton" not only got to perform at the White House, but the creator/writer/star got to buddy up to the President himself afterwards by freestyle-rapping about the state of the union off of cue cards held up by Barack Obama himself.
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"Hamilton" became such a big deal that the Treasury department shelved plans to replace Alexander Hamilton on the $10 bill with a woman. Instead, the $10 father without a father will stay put, while Harriet Tubman will replace Andrew Jackson on the $20 bill instead.
"Hamilton" made Grammy history by being so popular that it demanded to be the first Broadway show to perform during the music industry's biggest awards ceremony. Immigrants, we get the job done!
Even Disney and JJ Abrams are huge Miranda fans. He did cantina music for "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," will compose for the animated "Moana," and will star in "Mary Poppins" with Emily Blunt. All while continuing to star in "Hamilton," because of course.
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To underline how big of a phenom "Hamilton" really has become, the musical has already garnered Miranda a MacArthur "genius" grant and the Pulitzer for Best Drama. Come June, it will sweep the Tony Awards as well. And good luck getting tickets. Still.
Miranda's latest goal is to get Congress to allow Puerto Rico to declare bankruptcy amid a major economic crisis. John Oliver devoted an entire "Last Week Tonight" segment to it, and then invited Miranda - who had already spoken in DC about the issue - to come on stage to do what he does best. "Hamilton" tickets and even private performances are on the table. Paul Ryan, your move.
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The ”Hamilton“ creator is urging Congress to act on Puerto Rico’s economic crisis, and there’s precedent that says he will succeed
The multi-talented Lin-Manuel Miranda has done it all, performing from Broadway to the White House. Here's a look at his accomplishments through the years.