With no date in sight for when theatres will reopen, things are getting desperate in terms of new musical content. Luckily for us, Cats didn't completely destroy the future of movie musical adaptations (as hard as it tried) and there are some new ones on the horizon.
Here is a round up of what to expect in the cinemas and online over the next year or so:
EVERYBODY'S TALKING ABOUT JAMIE - THE MOVIE
WHAT?
The West End musical has been playing to packed audiences since 2017 and attracted rave reviews. The show is inspired by the true story of Jamie Campbell, a 16 year old who dreams of being a Drag Queen and went to his Prom in a dress.
WHO?
Max Harwood plays the titular Jamie New. Other cast members include Richard E. Grant as Loco Chanelle, Sharon Horgan and Sarah Lancashire.
WHEN?
The film is due to be released in cinemas on October 23rd 2020.
WEST SIDE STORY
WHAT?
An adaptation of the Broadway musical, this musical about rival gangs the Jets and the Sharks is famous worldwide and long overdue a remake. Featuring iconic songs such as 'Maria', 'America' and 'Somewhere', Steven Spielberg has been working with Stephen Sondheim on this version which has now completed production.
WHO?
The film stars Ansel Elgort as Tony and Rachel Zegler as Maria.
WHEN?
The film is slated to be released in the now traditional December slot for musical movies. Let's hope it's more The Greatest Showman than Cats. Expect to see it on December 18th 2020.
IN THE HEIGHTS
WHAT?
Lin Manuel Miranda has more than one hit musical under his belt. Before Hamilton, In The Heights was on Broadway for three years. This adaptation of the musical has completed production.
WHO?
The film stars Lin Manuel Miranda himself as well as Anthony Ramos and Marc Anthony.
WHEN?
Originally due to be released this year before the world turned upside down, the film is now coming out on June 18th 2021.
HAMILTON
WHAT?
REALLY? If you need to ask what Hamilton is, you've stumbled on the wrong website. This isn't so much a movie adaptation of the show but a filmed version of the Broadway show featuring the original (and widely considered the best) Broadway cast.
WHO?
The original Broadway cast included Lin Manuel Miranda as Alexander Hamilton, Leslie Odom Jr as Aaron Burr and Jonathan Groff as King George III.
WHEN?
Even though it is pretty much ready to go, this isn't being released to cinemas until October 15th 2021. Looks like we're all going to have to wait for it.
THE PROM
WHAT?
After a far too short run on Broadway, it was announced that a movie adaptation was being made for Netflix.
WHO?
This features a stellar all star cast of highly talented people... and James Corden. Hopefully the combined talents of Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman, Andrew Rannells and Kerry Washington can distract us from his constant camera hogging.
WHEN?
Due to be released in late 2020, the cast only had 2 days left of filming when filming was halted. This means if it misses a release date of this year, it shouldn't be too long to wait.
These are all the movies with confirmed dates but let's delve into the more distant future...
MATILDA
WHAT?
This is a movie adaptation of the musical adaptation of the movie. Confused yet? Based on Tim Minchins musical, this new adaptation has been confirmed very recently.
WHO?
Ralph Fiennes has signed up to play Miss Trunchbull while Jodie Comer is being sought after to play Miss Honey.
WHEN?
Filming was due to begin in the second half of 2020 but is likely to be delayed now. Expect this to see the light of day in late 2021 or 2022.
GREATEST DAYS
WHAT?
If you're trying to rack your brains thinking of a musical with this name, this is the new name for the movie adaptation of The Band - the Take That musical
WHO?
No names have been announced yet but a casting call has gone out.
WHEN?
This has very recently been announced so no release date as yet. Depending on when filming can start, I'd expect to see this towards the end of 2021/
SUNSET BOULEVARD
WHAT?
The rarest of Andrew Lloyd Webber musicals - one with more than one decent song. This movie adaptation of the story of faded star Norma Desmond has been rumoured for a while now but looks close to happening now.
WHO?
Glenn Close has confirmed she will be reprising the role of Norma Desmond that she played on both Broadway and the West end.
WHEN?
Close has said she hopes to begin filming this later this year but nothing has been confirmed as yet. It is coming. That is if Andrew Lloyd Webber wasn't too burned about his last film adaptation?
WICKED
WHAT?
One of the biggest musicals of the 21st Century, a movie adaptation has been in early development for what feels like an eternity.
WHO?
No casting has been announced though Ariana Grande has been mentioned for the role of Elphaba. However, if the development problems continue, its lead stars may not have even been born yet.
WHEN?
Your guess is as good as mine! Originally slated to be released in December 2019, we all know what filled that slot. It is currently down for a December 2021 release date though I would bet my ruby slippers on that not happening. When Stephen Schwartz was in London for The Prince of Egypt earlier this year, he confirmed he had been working on it so it IS happening. You might just want to ask the Wizard to give you patience in that time.
Also in talks for movie adaptations are Dear Evan Hansen, Beautiful, Be More Chill and Little Shop Of Horrors. An adaptation of The Little Mermaid is also on its way in the next couple of years with preliminary casting announced.
So the present might be a bit boring but the future looks bright.
What films are you most looking forward to?
Let me know in the comments or on twitter.com/ATDazzles