Lin-Manuel Miranda Candidly Reflects On Potential Hamilton Movie, Citing Wicked’s Long Road To The Screen
With the highly anticipated Wicked movie adaptation finally hitting theaters after more than two decades in development, Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda is taking a careful look at whether his own groundbreaking musical should follow the same path to Hollywood. In a recent interview with Danny Directo for Entertainment Tonight, Miranda expressed measured hesitation about adapting his Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning stage production into a live-action film.
It would take a really good vision from a director to convince me that Hamilton could be adapted,” Miranda explained, referencing Wicked’s lengthy journey from stage to screen. “These things aren’t easy! Wicked took twenty years—it took a long time! Hamilton’s 10th anniversary is next year. So, give it ten years.
Miranda’s comments suggest that a Hamilton movie, if it ever happens, may still be a long way off. Although the musical first debuted on Broadway in 2015 and became an instant cultural phenomenon, Miranda appears determined to avoid rushing its transition into a new medium. He acknowledged that adapting a beloved show into film involves much more than simply mounting a camera in front of a stage production. Instead, the material needs to be thoughtfully reimagined, capturing the essence of the original performance while taking advantage of the unique storytelling possibilities film offers.
Back in 2020, a filmed version of the original Broadway production was released on Disney+, allowing audiences worldwide to experience the show as it was performed at the Richard Rodgers Theatre. That cinematic stage capture preserved the energy of the live event, something a fully realized film would have to replicate without relying on theatrical immediacy. Miranda’s cautious stance reflects a desire to maintain the distinct atmosphere that has shaped Hamilton’s legacy.
His comparison to Wicked, the Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman musical-turned-movie, is telling. After more than two decades of development, the Wicked film is only now making its way to audiences, underscoring how complex, delicate, and time-intensive such adaptations can be. While Hamilton has already proven its lasting cultural resonance, Miranda seems to recognize that achieving a successful screen translation demands patience, careful planning, and a clear creative vision.
As Hamilton’s 10th anniversary approaches in February 2025, its influence remains profound. The show has sparked global conversations about American history, representation, and the evolving face of musical theater. Miranda’s meticulous approach to its future suggests he wants any eventual film adaptation to reinforce, rather than dilute, that legacy.
For now, fans eager to see Hamilton on the big screen will have to content themselves with the Disney+ version and the ongoing live productions worldwide. Miranda’s words indicate that when—if ever—the Hamilton movie takes shape, it will do so on its own timetable, with a deep commitment to honoring the spirit and impact of the original work.
Photo Credit: DepositPhotos.com
