Disney is shifting the release plan for a film of the Hamilton stage show with the original Broadway cast.
The project, originally set for October 15, 2021 release, will instead hit Disney+ on July 3 of this year, making it available over the July 4 weekend.
Filmed at Broadway’s Richard Rodgers Theatre in June 2016, the movie features Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda in the starring role as Alexander Hamilton, as well as Daveed Diggs as Marquis de Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson, Renée Elise Goldsberry as Angelica Schuyler, Leslie Odom Jr. as Aaron Burr, Christopher Jackson as George Washington, Jonathan Groff as King George, Phillipa Soo as Eliza Hamilton, Jasmine Cephas Jones as Peggy Schuyler/Maria Reynolds, Okieriete Onaodowan as Hercules Mulligan/James Madison and Anthony Ramos as John Laurens/Philip Hamilton.
The cast also includes Carleigh Bettiol, Ariana DeBose, Hope Easterbrook, Sydney James Harcourt, Sasha Hutchings, Thayne Jasperson, Elizabeth Judd, Jon Rua, Austin Smith, Seth Stewart and Ephraim Sykes.
Disney describes the movie as a “leap forward in the art of ‘live capture,’ which transports its audience into the world of the Broadway show in a uniquely intimate way.”
The project combines elements of live theater, film and streaming, Disney says, to create a new way to experience the 11-time Tony Award-winning musical.
“No other artistic work in the last decade has had the cultural impact of Hamilton — an inspiring and captivating tale told and performed in a powerfully creative way. In light of the extraordinary challenges facing our world, this story about leadership, tenacity, hope, love and the power of people to unite against the forces of adversity is both relevant and impactful,” Disney executive chairman Bob Iger said in a statement. “We are thrilled to bring this phenomenon to Disney+ on the eve of Independence Day, and we have the brilliant Lin-Manuel Miranda and the team behind Hamilton to thank for allowing us to do so more than a year before planned.”
Added Miranda in his own statement: “I’m so proud of how beautifully Tommy Kail has brought Hamilton to the screen. He’s given everyone who watches this film the best seat in the house. I’m so grateful to Disney and Disney+ for reimagining and moving up our release to July 4th weekend of this year, in light of the world turning upside down. I’m so grateful to all the fans who asked for this, and I’m so glad that we’re able to make it happen. I’m so proud of this show. I can’t wait for you to see it.”
Disney scored worldwide distribution rights to Hamilton after what is believed to have been a long period of competitive negotiations. Sources familiar with the deal said Disney paid a massive $75 million for global rights to the finished film.