Disney to release Lin-Manuel Miranda’s ‘Hamilton’ film in 2021

Disney will release a film version of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tony- and Pulitzer-winning musical “Hamilton” on Oct. 15, 2021.

Unlike the recent film adaptations of musicals, such as “Cats” or the 2012 version of “Les Misarables,” this is a filmed version of the original cast production at the Richard Rodgers Theatre in New York.

The worldwide rights to film version reportedly spurred a major bidding war among studios with Disney finally offering $75 million for the film, according to Deadline.

Three live performances were shot of the original stage production with multiple angles and additional footage was filmed without an audience to create a cinematic version of the show. It was shot two weeks prior to the original cast leaving the show.

The musical tells the story of American Founding Father Alexander Hamilton through music that draws heavily from hip hop, as well as R&B, pop, soul, and traditional-style show tunes. The show features color-conscious casting of non-white actors as the Founding Fathers and other historical figures.

The musical won 11 Tony Awards in 2016, as well as the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. After spending time in wide release, the film is expected to move to Disney+.