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In the Heights 2021
A 2021 American musical drama film, In the Heights was directed by Jon M. Chu and written by Quiara Alegría Hudes, adapting her work alongside Lin-Manuel Miranda from their 2005 stage musical. The movie features Anthony Ramos, Melissa Barrera, Corey Hawkins, Leslie Grace (making her film debut), Olga Merediz, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Gregory Diaz IV, and Jimmy Smits. Set in Washington Heights, a predominantly Dominican area of Upper Manhattan in New York City, the story follows several residents striving for better lives through their small dreams.
Universal Pictures first planned to adapt In the Heights in 2008, with Kenny Ortega assigned as director. That version did not move forward, but the project restarted in 2016 under Chu’s direction, with Ramos cast in October 2018. Additional actors joined in April 2019, and principal photography occurred in New York City during the summer.
The release was originally scheduled for 2020, but it was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The film premiered at the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival on June 4, 2021 before opening in the United States on June 10. It appeared simultaneously in theaters and on HBO Max under a 30-day window. Critics acclaimed the direction, acting, musical elements, and cinematography, though it failed commercially, earning only $45 million against its $55 million budget and $200 million break-even point.
Ramos received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy. Since then, the film has been cited in various lists of top musical films from the 21st century.
Trailer
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Cast
- Anthony RamosUsnavi de la Vega
- Corey HawkinsBenny
- Melissa BarreraVanessa Morales
- Leslie GraceNina Rosario
- Ariana GreenblattYoung Nina Rosario
- Olga MeredizClaudia
- Daphne Rubin-VegaDaniela
- Gregory Diaz IVSonny de la Vega
- Jimmy SmitsKevin Rosario
- Stephanie BeatrizCarla
- Dascha PolancoCuca
- Marc AnthonyGapo
- Noah CatalaGraffiti Pete
- Olivia PerezIris de la Vega
Crew
- Director
- Jon M. Chu
- Screenplay
- Quiara Alegría Hudes
- Producer
- Lin-Manuel Miranda, Quiara Alegría Hudes, Scott Sanders, Likely Story, Mara Jacobs
- Cinematography
- Alice Brooks
- Editing
- Myron Kerstein
- Music
- Lin-Manuel Miranda, Alex Lacamoire, Bill Sherman
Details
- Production
- 5000 Broadway Productions, Barrio Grrrl! Productions, Fifth Season, Likely Story, SGS Pictures
- Distributor
- Warner Bros. Pictures (United States)
- Budget
- $55 million
- Box office
- $45.2 million
