Lin-Manuel Miranda is set to make his feature film directorial debut at Netflix with an adaptation of “Rent” creator Jonathan Larson’s “Tick, Tick… Boom!”
Netflix acquired worldwide rights to the film, which is being produced by Imagine Entertainment’s Brian Grazer, Ron Howard and Julie Oh, as well as Miranda.
“Tick, Tick… Boom!” is set in 1990 and tells the story of Jon, an aspiring theater composer who is waiting tables in New York City while writing “Superbia” — which he hopes will be the next great American musical and finally give him his big break.
Jon is also feeling pressure from his girlfriend Susan, who is tired of continuing to put her life on hold for Jon’s career aspirations. Meanwhile, his best friend and roommate Michael, has given up on his creative aspirations for a high paying advertising job on Madison Avenue and is about to move out. As Jon approaches his 30th birthday, he is overcome with anxiety – wondering if his dream is worth the cost.
Larson’s “Rent,” which won the Tony Award for Best Musical in 1996, was also awarded a Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1996, an honor Miranda’s “Hamilton” also received in 2016. Only nine musicals have won the Pulitzer for Drama. Miranda also starred in the New York City Center’s Encores! Off-Center production of “Tick, Tick…Boom!”
Larson died the night before the show’s first preview performance. “Rent” ultimately spent 12 years on Broadway, making it the 11th longest running show in Broadway history.
Tony Award-winner Steven Levenson (“Dear Evan Hansen,” “Fosse/Verdon”) will adapt the screenplay based on Larson’s original stage show.
Levenson will also executive produce along with Julie Larson.