OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO! FILM: Pasek and Paul

It’s not every day that theatre fans and film buffs get to celebrate a creative partnership like Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, the EGOT-winning composers responsible for music in everything from THE GREATEST SHOWMAN to DEAR EVAN HANSEN. Their musical fingerprints are all over stage and screen, and their next venture promises to be just as thrilling: they’ll be crafting original music for a new film adaptation of Dr. Seuss’s beloved final book, OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO!. Scheduled for release on 17 March 2028, the movie will be co-directed by Jon M. Chu (Wicked) and Jill Culton, marking yet another milestone in the pair’s ever-evolving repertoire. If you’re intrigued by how Broadway’s brightest stars might transform a Dr. Seuss classic into an all-singing, all-dancing cinematic experience, keep reading—there’s more to this story than green eggs and ham.

The Creative Powerhouses

Even if you’re only casually acquainted with musical theatre, chances are you’ve heard of the award-winning duo of Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. Known to many simply as “Pasek and Paul,” these two met as undergraduates, quickly realising they shared a knack for catchy melodies and heartfelt lyrics. Their first projects, including EDGES and DOGFIGHT, quickly garnered a loyal following of fans enamoured with the team’s unique brand of emotional storytelling.

However, it was DEAR EVAN HANSEN that propelled them into mainstream recognition. Not only did the show sweep Broadway, winning the 2017 Tony Award for Best Musical, but Pasek and Paul also nabbed the Tony Award for Best Score, plus a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theatre Album. If that wasn’t enough, their work on the film LA LA LAND earned them an Oscar in 2017 for City of Stars, and the pair stepped into yet another spotlight with THE GREATEST SHOWMAN, scoring original tunes that have since taken on a life of their own in pop culture.

Becoming EGOT winners is a feat few manage. Only 18 individuals in history have successfully scooped up an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony. Pasek and Paul joined that elite club last year, courtesy of their Emmy win for Which of the Pickwick Triplets Did It? from Only Murders in the Building. With that achievement under their belt, they’ve effectively solidified their status as two of the most influential composers in modern musical theatre.

Dr. Seuss’s Timeless Tale Takes Flight

Originally published in 1990, Oh, the Places You’ll Go! was Dr. Seuss’s final work before his passing. In it, he masterfully blended whimsical illustrations with messages of perseverance, exploration, and optimism for the future. Often gifted at graduations, the book has become a cultural reference point, quoted by everyone from politicians to motivational speakers. So how does one adapt such a personal, philosophical text for the big screen?

The film will be co-directed by Jon M. Chu and Jill Culton, both of whom bring significant industry clout. Chu is perhaps most famous for helming the film adaptation of Crazy Rich Asians, as well as the upcoming two-part WICKED movie. Culton has made her mark in animation and storytelling, particularly with the family-friendly feature Abominable. The screenplay, meanwhile, is being written by Rob Lieber, whose previous credits include the adaptation of Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day for Disney. Production duties fall to J.J. Abrams and Gregg Taylor—names that ring a bell for anyone following blockbuster Hollywood franchises and original productions alike.

Given Oh, the Places You’ll Go! is essentially a whimsical road map for life’s ups and downs, fans will be curious to see how the filmmakers stretch that narrative arc into a full-length musical film. Of course, with Pasek and Paul providing an original score, viewers can expect a musical structure that expands Seuss’s text into songs capable of illustrating the story’s central themes. This sort of imaginative leap is reminiscent of other successful Dr. Seuss adaptations, such as Horton Hears a Who! and How the Grinch Stole Christmas, but with an added shot of show-stopping numbers that only musical theatre’s top composers can deliver.

From Stage to Screen

THE GREATEST SHOWMAN, LA LA LAND, DEAR EVAN HANSEN, SMASH—Pasek and Paul have been prolific in the last decade, cementing a reputation for bridging the gap between the intimacy of Broadway and the grandeur of Hollywood. Their ongoing collaboration with big-name directors—such as Damien Chazelle (LA LA LAND) and Michael Gracey (THE GREATEST SHOWMAN)—demonstrates the universal appeal of their distinctive style.

Though their discography is undeniably Broadway-rooted, the duo continues to explore fresh avenues. For instance, they’ve contributed to Only Murders in the Building, a comedic crime series on Hulu, showcasing a playful side to their lyricism. The success of their comedic number Which of the Pickwick Triplets Did It? adds an extra dose of confidence in their ability to tackle Dr. Seuss’s penchant for rhythmic invention and zany wordplay.

A Unique Approach to Children’s Classics

It’s no secret that Dr. Seuss’s writing style is chock-full of rhyme, whimsy, and larger-than-life imagery—characteristics that lend themselves brilliantly to musical adaptation. Yet Oh, the Places You’ll Go! stands out for its inspirational tone, focusing heavily on one’s journey through challenges, triumphs, and new horizons. Adapting it for cinema won’t just be about anthropomorphic characters or comedic set pieces; it requires a framework that captures the emotional depth of stepping out into the world, uncertain yet hopeful.

Interestingly, Pasek and Paul have history with literary adaptations, having provided music for JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH, based on Roald Dahl’s novel. That project honed their skill in translating the whimsy of a beloved children’s author to melodic, story-driven songs. It’s likely that the approach they used to highlight Dahl’s eccentricities could translate seamlessly to Dr. Seuss. If you’re a fan of musicals that embrace bright colours, creative staging, and unabashed fantasy, this collaboration feels like a match made in heaven.

The Oregon Trail

Before Oh, the Places You’ll Go! hits cinemas, Pasek and Paul already have another high-profile gig lined up: they’re set to create original music “in the vein of Barbie” for Apple’s upcoming film adaptation of the classic computer game THE OREGON TRAIL. To draw a parallel, 2023’s Barbie film featured an infectious soundtrack with pop flair, comedic undertones, and some surprisingly poignant themes woven throughout. If that’s any indication, their take on THE OREGON TRAIL might be similarly playful, comedic, and epic in scope.

Although THE OREGON TRAIL and a Dr. Seuss adaptation may seem worlds apart, both projects highlight the duo’s versatility. One day they’re working on a nostalgic, game-inspired frontier adventure, the next on a heartfelt exploration of life’s journey through a Seussian lens. Each project also reflects Hollywood’s growing appetite for musicals that infuse established properties with fresh, melodic energy.

For The Fans

For theatregoers who treasure live performance, why should they care about a film adaptation of a picture book? The answer lies in Pasek and Paul’s consistent ability to blur the line between stage and screen. Their track record suggests the music they create can transform into successful stage shows—or vice versa. Take THE GREATEST SHOWMAN, for instance. Although it started as a film, its infectious soundtrack led to live tours, sing-along events, and talk of a potential stage adaptation. The synergy between mediums is strong, with fans often hoping that a well-received musical film might pave the way for a future West End or Broadway show.

Moreover, musicals adapted from Dr. Seuss have a long tradition of enchanting audiences. Seussical, composed by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, remains a popular choice for youth theatre and amateur groups worldwide. If Oh, the Places You’ll Go! is embraced by audiences—especially those with theatre-loving backgrounds—it wouldn’t be surprising to see it eventually blossom into a stage version. Given the large global footprint of Dr. Seuss’s work, even Australian theatre communities—always enthusiastic about new musicals and touring productions—might express interest in hosting a stage adaptation down the line.

The “EGOT” Factor

A distinctive aspect of this project is the fact that Pasek and Paul come to it as EGOT winners. While many composers and lyricists have contributed to film musicals, few carry the weight of an EGOT status. It essentially means they’ve excelled across every major entertainment platform—television, music recording, theatre, and film. In practical terms, it signals a level of polish and quality that stirs excitement among producers, directors, and audiences alike. It’s an unspoken guarantee that these two know how to craft songs that resonate on a grand scale, often transcending generational divides.

Given Dr. Seuss’s cross-generational appeal, it feels only fitting that composers who have proven they can engage a wide spectrum of audiences—whether they’re Broadway enthusiasts, pop-music lovers, or casual film fans—take on the challenge. By infusing the material with memorable music, Pasek and Paul could well create the next big family musical, one that children watch in cinemas and then request on repeat at home.

All Roads Lead to Seussical Enchantment

As the calendar inches closer to 17 March 2028, anticipation for OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO! is bound to build. The involvement of Jon M. Chu and Jill Culton suggests a visually splendid experience, while the presence of Pasek and Paul ensures the music will become a central pillar. Add to that the creative flair of J.J. Abrams and the proven adaptation skills of Rob Lieber, and you have a dream team shaping one of Dr. Seuss’s most philosophical and beloved works. For theatre buffs, the excitement might lie in the possibility of hearing a brand-new Pasek and Paul score, one that could eventually grace stages around the world if it resonates the way so many of their other projects have.

Keep Looking Forward, Follow the Music

In a sense, Oh, the Places You’ll Go! is about embracing the unknown with courage and curiosity—an apt metaphor for the creative journey Pasek and Paul continue to embark upon. Whether you’re a fan of musicals, a lover of Dr. Seuss, or just someone who appreciates a good story about life’s adventures, this adaptation promises to be a standout event in 2028’s film calendar. And who knows? You might find yourself humming the tunes long after the credits roll, eager to share your new favourite songs with fellow theatregoers—or daydreaming about how those very same numbers might one day be performed live, with a full cast singing and dancing them on a stage near you.

Step Boldly

If there’s one takeaway from the combined might of Dr. Seuss and Pasek and Paul, it’s that imagination knows no limits. We’ve come a long way from reading whimsical rhymes in a cosy corner, but that sense of playful wonder remains a guiding light. As you mark your calendar for OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO!, remember the lesson at the heart of Seuss’s book: life’s journey may not always be easy, but it’s rife with possibilities—especially when you carry a song in your heart. And with a talented EGOT-winning duo at the helm, those possibilities are bound to be bright, bold, and brilliantly melodic.