Amanda Seyfried, Rachel Zegler, Gaten Matarazzo, and More Set For OCTET Film Adaptation Lin-Manuel Miranda has announced the cast for the upcoming musical film adaptation of Dave Malloy’s Octet, marking a significant step in bringing the groundbreaking Off-Broadway production to the big screen. The film, which will be directed by Miranda himself, features a star-studded ensemble including Amanda Seyfried as Jessica, Rachel Zegler as Velma, Sheryl Lee Ralph as Paula, Phillipa Soo as Karly, Gaten Matarazzo as Toby, Jonathan Groff as Henry, Tramell Tillman as Marvin, and Paul-Jordan Jansen as Ed. Miranda, known for his work on Hamilton and In the Heights, will also serve as an executive producer alongside Dave Malloy, who is adapting his own book of the musical for the film. The project is produced by Julie Oh, John Skidmore of Best Kept Secret Productions, and Luis A. Miranda, Jr., with executive producers Johnny Holland, Owen Panettieri, and Diana DiMenna. Malloy, the creator of Octet, will oversee the adaptation, ensuring the film retains the original’s unique blend of wit, emotional depth, and musical innovation. The musical, which explores themes of digital dependency and human connection, follows a group of eight individuals who meet in a church basement to disconnect from their phones and confront their compulsions through the power of live performance. Octet premiered on May 19, 2019, at the Signature Theatre in New York City, where it quickly became a critical and audience favorite. The Off-Broadway run, which initially lasted just three weeks, was extended three times, culminating in a final performance on June 30, 2019. The production was directed and choreographed by Annie Tippe, with music supervision and direction by Or Matias.#amanda_seyfried #linmanuel_miranda #rachel_zegler #gaten_matarazzo #octet
Lin-Manuel Miranda Announces Cast for Octet Film Adaptation Lin-Manuel Miranda has officially announced the cast for his upcoming film adaptation of Dave Malloy’s musical Octet, marking a significant step in bringing the a cappella work to the big screen. The project, which has been in development for several years, features a star-studded lineup of actors and performers, many of whom have previously collaborated on high-profile productions. Miranda, known for his groundbreaking work on Hamilton and tick, tick...BOOM!, has taken on the role of producer for the film, which is being developed through his 5000 Broadway Productions. The film will star Amanda Seyfried as Jessica, a role she previously portrayed in the 2008 Broadway revival of Mamma Mia! Seyfried’s casting is a notable addition, as her performance in that production earned critical acclaim for its emotional depth and vocal prowess. Rachel Zegler, the newly minted Olivier Award winner for her role in Evita, will play Velma, a character central to the story’s exploration of internet addiction and human connection. Zegler’s inclusion adds a fresh dynamic to the cast, given her rising prominence in both theater and film. Phillipa Soo, who gained international recognition for her portrayal of Eliza Hamilton in Hamilton, will take on the role of Karly, a character whose journey through the support group serves as a narrative anchor for the film. Jonathan Groff, the Tony Award-winning star of Merrily We Roll Along, will play Henry, a role that allows him to showcase his versatility as both a singer and actor. Groff’s previous work in musical theater, including his performance in Cats, highlights his ability to balance dramatic and melodic elements.#amanda_seyfried #linmanuel_miranda #dave_malloy #rachel_zegler #phillipa_soo
Lin-Manuel Miranda, Susan Egan, Anne Hathaway, The Jonas Brothers, and More Will Join the Disney Legends Disney has announced the list of recipients for its prestigious Disney Legends Award, the company’s highest honor. The ceremony will take place on the final day of the D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event, held August 14-16 in Anaheim, California. Emmy-winning television host Ryan Seacrest will return as the event’s host, with the ceremony scheduled for Sunday, August 16, at 1:30 p.m. PT at the Honda Center. The ceremony will also be available for streaming on Disney+. The honorees include former Walt Disney Company chairman and CEO Bob Iger, who led the company for two decades. Other recipients are Susan Egan, Dwayne Johnson, Anne Hathaway, and Alan Tudyk, recognized for their roles in bringing Disney characters to life onscreen and onstage. The Jonas Brothers are honored for shaping a generation of Disney music, while Lin-Manuel Miranda is celebrated for his contributions to modern Disney films through his songwriting. Eric Goldberg, a renowned animator, is also among the recipients for his work on beloved Disney characters. The list also features producer Jerry Bruckheimer, sports broadcaster Chris Berman, and Kim Irvine of Walt Disney Imagineering. The Disney Legends Awards program, a 39-year tradition, began in 1987 when Fred MacMurray was honored for his roles in The Shaggy Dog and The Absent-Minded Professor. To date, 329 individuals and groups have been inducted into the Disney Legends Hall of Fame, including Dame Julie Andrews, Josh Gad, Jonathan Groff, Dame Angela Lansbury, Alan Menken, Idina Menzel, and the Sherman Brothers. The ceremony marks the culmination of the D23 event, which brings together fans, creators, and industry leaders to celebrate Disney’s legacy.#anne_hathaway #linmanuel_miranda #susan_egans #jonas_brothers #disney_legends_award
