Everything we know about the In the Heights movie
Lin-Manuel Miranda's hit musical comes to the big screen this week!
Last updated 16th Jun 2021
The In The Heights film is finally happening. Fans of the musical and its tracks will be delighted to know Lin-Manuel Miranda and a talented team are headed to the big screen, and the soundtrack is out now!
The In The Heights film is set to star an incredible cast who will portray legendary characters including Usnavi, Nina and Benny. From the release date of In The Heights film to all the latest casting news and whether Lin-Manuel Miranda will star in the film, here's the lowdown on one of the most exciting releases 2021 has to offer.
When is the In The Heights film released in the UK?
In The Heights film is set to be released in UK cinemas on 18th June 2021, with certain cinemas offering exclusive early viewings now.
What is the In The Heights film about?
In The Heights is based in Washington Heights in Manhattan and documents all the comings and goings of a variety of characters who live in the area. The film centres on Usnavi, a bodega owner who dreams of returning to his native Dominican Republic.
Meanwhile, Nina returns home to her parents after finishing her first year of college and has surprising news for them. A friend of Usnavi, the pair and their fellow characters learn what home really means.
Watch the trailer for the In The Heights film:
Additionally, you can check out the film's incredible opening eight minutes!
How can I watch the In The Heights film?
Over in the US, the film will be released on streaming service HBO Max simultaneously with its theatrical release. Production company Warner Brothers, however, announced that this won't be the case for the UK, meaning the first place to see the In The Heights film in the UK will be at the cinema.
Who wrote the In The Heights film?
Quiara Alegria Hides wrote In The Heights film, alongside Lin-Manuel Miranda. The pair wrote the In The Heights musical together so fans are excited to see the show make its way to the big screen.
Meet the cast of In the Heights:
Anthony Ramos as Usnavi
Usnavi will be played by Anthony Ramos in the In The Heights film. Anthony's previous work includes the dual roles of John Laurens and Philip Hamilton in the Broadway musical Hamilton. You might also recognise Anthony from his role as Ramon in 2018's A Star Is Born which featured Lady Gaga and was directed by Bradley Cooper.
Leslie Grace as Nina
Nina Rosario will be played by American singer/songwriter Leslie Grace. Born in the Dominican Republic and growing up in New York, Leslie Grace was the youngest female artist to top the Billboard Tropical Song chart and the Billboard Latin Airplay charts.
Stephanie Beatriz as Carla
Stephanie Beatriz will play the role of Carla in In The Heights film. Stephanie is most known for her role as Rosa Diaz in the hit TV show Brooklyn Nine-Nine and has also starred as Bonnie in the independent film The Light of the Moon which received critical acclaim.
Corey Hawkins as Benny
Corey Hawkins will play Benny. Corey is best known for his roles in TV show The Walking Dead, playing Dr Dre in the 2015 film Straight Outta Compton and starring in the Broadway production Six Degrees of Separation which earned him a Tony Award nomination.
Melissa Barrera as Vanessa
Mexican actress Melissa Barrera is due to play Vanessa. Melissa has an extensive career including roles in telenovela Siempre Tuya Acapulco and Tanto Amor.
Dascha Polanco as Cuca
Cuca will be played by Dascha Polanco, an American actress most known for her portrayal as Daya in the Netflix show Orange Is The New Black. Dascha has also starred in films including 2019's The Irishman, The Perfect Match and Gimme Shelter.
Marc Anthony as Mr de la Vega
Actor Marc Anthony plays Mr de la Vega. Marc Anthony, who was married to Jennifer Lopez, is also a singer, fashion designer and philanthropist as well as being an actor. As well as selling over 12 million records worldwide, Marc Anthony has starred in El Cantante and In The Time of Butterflies.
Marc's character is the father of Sonny (played by Gregory Diaz IV). While Mr de la Vega doesn't appear in the original musical, Lin-Manuel says his appearance in the film will be "brief but pivotal".
Lin-Manuel Miranda as Mr. Piragüero
As well as writing the music, Lin-Manuel also starred as Usnavi in the original Broadway cast of In the Heights so it's fitting that he will be making a cameo in the film. Lin-Manuel will be making a small appearance as Mr Piragüero.
Who directed In The Heights?
That would be Jon M. Chu. Jon was the director of Crazy Rich Asians and has also directed 2015's Jem And The Holograms. Jon will also be directing the upcoming movie adaptation of Wicked.
Is the In The Heights film based on the musical?
It is! Lin-Manuel Miranda has a huge part in the writing and production of both the musical and the film. A musical drama, In The Heights film will be based entirely on the iconic Broadway musical.
Will there be any new music for the In The Heights film?
Yes there will! Lin-Manuel Miranda has written an additional song for the film's soundtrack titled 'Home All Summer'. The song will be sung by Anthony Ramos, Leslie Grace and Marc Anthony.
When will the In the Heights soundtrack be released?
The soundtrack for the film is now available to buy and stream from wherever you get your music!