The latest trailers for In the Heights, the film adaptation of Lin-Manuel Miranda and Quiara Alegría Hudes' hit Broadway musical, have arrived. Miranda is perhaps best known for bringing America's Founding Fathers to life with musical sensation Hamilton, which dominated Disney+ just last year. However, before Hamilton, Miranda proved his lyrical chops with In the Heights, a more personal tale of the community that resides in New York City's Washington Heights. The musical premiered on Broadway in 2008 and won 4 Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
Director Jon M. Chu's cinematic take on In the Heights was originally slated to premiere in June 2020. However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, it was pushed back an entire year. Now, In the Heights will debut on June 18 as one of the Warner Bros. movies premiering both on HBO Max and in theaters. It stars Hamilton alum Anthony Ramos as Usnavi, the owner of a bodega who dreams of returning to the Dominican Republic, but struggles with whether he can leave his city home behind, much like the people who live in the colorful neighborhood around him.
Well over a year after the first trailer debuted, Warner Bros. has released not one, but TWO trailers for In the Heights. Both showcase some of the biggest songs in the musical, from the titular opener "In the Heights" to rousing ensemble number "96,000." Perhaps most importantly, they introduce audiences to Washington Heights in brilliant, energetic fashion. Check them out down below.
Chu proved his chops with big spectacles when it came to films like Crazy Rich Asians and Now You See Me 2, but In the Heights provides some new challenges. The musical has a lot of major ensemble numbers that are balanced out by quieter character moments, and Chu will have to make them all flow realistically. Based on these new trailers, though, it looks like he'll succeed. It's hard not to get chills when listening to the vibrant songs, and Ramos already brings his own spin to the role of Usnavi (which Miranda originated on Broadway). In the Heights also boasts an impressive cast including Corey Hawkins, Melissa Barrera, Leslie Grace, Stephanie Beatriz, and Jimmy Smits. Everyone gets their time in the spotlight in these latest In the Heights trailers.
With its June release date, In the Heights is poised to be the musical event of the summer. Interestingly, it was Hamilton that took that title last year, but it only played at home. In the Heights will have a new advantage when it plays in theaters, which feels like the optimal place to enjoy all the big scenes. For those who are only familiar with Miranda's work on Hamilton, In the Heights promises to be a must-see.
Source: Warner Bros. Pictures
