‘In The Heights’ Musical Adaptation Eyes John M. Chu To Direct

“Now You See Me 2” director Jon M. Chu is in talks to helm the film adaptation of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tony Award-winning musical “In the Heights.”

The Hollywood Reporter details that The Weinstein Co. is trying to get the project up and running and that Miranda met with Chu to discuss the adaptation. The musical is set in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan and follows a bodega owner who, after inheriting his grandmother’s fortune, has mixed feeling about his store closing and retiring to the Dominican Republic.

READ MORE: Watch: ‘Hamilton’ Star Lin-Manuel Miranda Busts Out A Ramen-Inspired Rap

The musical was nominated for 13 Tonys, winning four. The “Hamilton” creator starred in the stage version, but has yet to decide if he will lead or cast a younger actor.

Scott Sanders will produce the film alongside Mara Jacobs. The current screenplay is written by Quiara Alegria Hudes, an earlier draft was penned by Marc Klein.

READ MORE: Watch: ‘Hamilton’s’ Lin-Manuel Miranda Preps James Corden For the Tonys With Carpool Karaoke

The project was originally in development at Universal but the studio opted to cut the project loose in 2011. It was said that the Kenny Ortega-directed film had a budget of $37 million. Now at TWC, Miranda will produce with a projected budget of $15 million.

Miranda’s latest Broadway hit “Hamilton” is currently nominated for a record-setting 16 Tony Awards. The ceremony will take place this Sunday, June 12 and is expected to win big.

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