The Future of Musicals on the Big Screen: Trends and Anticipated Releases
The world of musicals is set to captivate audiences once again with a slew of upcoming releases and adaptations. From the highly anticipated Wicked Part 2: For Good to the long-awaited Merrily We Roll Along, let’s dive into the exciting trends and films that are headed to the big screen.
Wicked Part 2: For Good
The first installment of Wicked starring Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, and Jonathan Bailey left audiences spellbound. The second part, Wicked Part 2: For Good, promises to take things to a darker turn as Elphaba defies gravity for the first time. Fans are eagerly awaiting to see if her friendship with Glinda can survive the challenges ahead.
Release Date: November 2025
Cast: Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba), Ariana Grande (Glinda), Jonathan Bailey (Fiyero), Michelle Yeoh (Madame Morrible) et al
Creatives: Jon M Chu (director), Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox (screenplay), Stephen Schwartz (music and lyrics)
Mufasa: The Origin Story
Similar to Wicked, Mufasa provides an origin story for a notorious villain. This film explores the early life of Scar, formerly known as Taka, and his relationship with Mufasa. With songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda, this film is already available to stream on Disney+.
Release Date: Available to stream on Disney+
Cast: Aaron Pierre (Mufasa), Kelvin Harrison Jr (waste), John Kani (friend) et al
Creatives: Barry Jenkins (director), Jeff Nathanson (screenplay), Lin-Manuel Miranda (music and lyrics)
Emilia Pérez: A Critically Acclaimed Musical Crime Film
Emilia Pérez, directed by French arthouse director Jacques Audiard, has had a mixed reception due to its use of stereotypes. Despite the criticism, it has been nominated for 13 Oscars, making it the most nominated non-English-language film to date.
Release Date: Streaming on Netflix
Cast: Zoe Saldaña (Rita), Karla Sofía Gascón (Emilia Pérez/Manitas), Selena Gomez (Jessi) et al
Creatives: Jacques Audiard (Director, Screenplay), Camille Dalmais (Songs)
Snow White: A Timeless Tale Reimagined
Disney’s first full-length animated feature, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, is finally getting a live-action remake. Rachel Zegler, known for her role in West Side Story, will star as the princess, accompanied by seven eccentric and lovable companions.
Release Date: 25 March 2025
Cast: Rachel Zegler (Snow White), Gal Gadot (Evil Queen), Andrew Burnap (Jonathan), Martin Klebba (Grumpy) et al
Creatives: Marc Webb (director), Greta Gerwig and Erin Cressida Wilson (screenplay)
Kiss of the Spider Woman: A Blend of Reality and Fantasy
Jennifer Lopez stars in this screen adaptation of the Kander and Ebb musical set in an Argentine prison in 1981. The film juxtaposes gritty realism with MGM-style musical fantasies and received a standing ovation at its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival.
Release Date: TBC
Cast: Jennifer Lopez (Ingrid Luna/Aurora/The Spider Woman), Diego Luna (Valentin Arregui), Tonatiuh (Luis Molina)
Creatives: Bill Condon (director and screenplay), John Kander (music), Fred Ebb (lyrics)
Michael: The King of Pop on Screen
Jaafar Jackson, nephew of the late Michael Jackson, will portray the iconic singer in this biographical film. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the film promises to delve into the life and career of the legendary artist.
Release Date: Autumn 2025
Cast: Jaafar Jackson (Michael Jackson), Colman Domingo (Joe Jackson), Nia Long (Katherine Jackson) et al
Creatives: Antoine Fuqua (director), John Logan (screenplay)
Moana: A Polynesian Adventure
A live-action remake of the 2016 Disney hit, Moana, directed by Thomas Kail, is set to hit theaters in Summer 2026. With Lin-Manuel Miranda composing the music and lyrics, this film is sure to be a musical extravaganza.
Release Date: Summer 2026
Cast: Creamrine laga (ocean), dwayne Johnson (4.) et al
Creatives: Thomas Kail (director), Jared Bush, Dana Ledoux Miller (screenplay), Lin-Manuel Miranda (music and lyrics)
Merrily We Roll Along: A Unique Narrative Experience
Stephen Sondheim’s musical tells the story of three friends over a 21-year period, with the twist being that the story is told from the end to the beginning. Richard Linklater is filming the project in real time, allowing the actors to age (or get younger) as the story progresses.
Release Date: TBC
Cast: Paul Mescal (Franklin Shepard), Ben Platt (Charley Kringas), Beanie Feldstein (Mary Flynn) et al
Creatives: Richard Linklater (director and screenplay), Stephen Sondheim (music and lyrics)
Shucked: A Musical Comedy on the Big Screen
UK audiences will get the chance to see this lauded American musical comedy when it plays at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre in May. The film version is also in the works, with Mandalay Pictures producing.
Release Date: TBC
Cast: TBC
Creatives: Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally (music and lyrics), Robert Horn (screenplay)
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang: The Flying Car Returns
A remake of the 1968 classic based on Ian Fleming’s children’s book is in development. Fans of the original can look forward to the flying car emerging from the garage and soaring again.
Release Date: TBC
Cast: TBC
Creatives: The Sherman Brothers (music and lyrics)
Follies: A Sondheim Masterpiece
A screen adaptation of Sondheim’s masterpiece was reported to be in “active development” in 2021. With the right cast, director, and design concept, this film could be a glorious addition to the musical genre.
Release Date: TBC
Cast: TBC
Creatives: Stephen Sondheim (music and lyrics)
Beautiful: The Carole King Musical
Daisy Edgar-Jones was initially mooted to star as the singer/songwriter, but she parted ways with the project. No replacement has been announced yet, leaving fans eager for updates.
Cast: TBC
Creatives: Lisa Cholodenko (director, screenplay), Stuart Blumberg (screenplay)
A Chorus Line: A Detailed Adaptation
Richard Attenborough’s 1985 screen adaptation of the heartrendering backstage musical was a real dud. A ten-part Netflix adaptation helmed by Ryan Murphy that tells the auditionees’ stories in further detail was mooted a few years back – it’s a really intriguing idea, so let’s hope it resurfaces at some point.
Release Date: TBC
Cast: TBC
Creatives: Ryan Murphy (director, screenplay)
Sunset Boulevard: A Long-Awaited Revival
Glenn Close has had her heart set on reprising the role of Norma Desmond on screen ever since her Broadway performance in 1994. The project has been in development for years, with Rob Ashford reported to be in talks to direct.
Release Date: TBC
Cast: Glenn Close (Norma Desmond)
Creatives: Andrew Lloyd Webber (music), Don Black (lyrics)
Table: Upcoming Musical Films
| Title | Release Date | Cast | Director | Music and Lyrics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wicked Part 2: For Good | November 2025 | Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey | Jon M Chu | Stephen Schwartz |
| Mufasa | Available to stream on Disney+ | Aaron Pierre, Kelvin Harrison Jr, John Kani | Barry Jenkins | Lin-Manuel Miranda |
| Emilia Pérez | Streaming on Netflix | Zoe Saldaña, Karla Sofía Gascón, Selena Gomez | Jacques Audiard | Camille Dalmais |
| Snow White | 25 March 2025 | Rachel Zegler, Gal Gadot, Andrew Burnap | Marc Webb | Marc Webb, Greta Gerwig, Erin Cressida Wilson |
| Kiss of the Spider Woman | TBC | Jennifer Lopez, Diego Luna, Tonatiuh | Bill Condon | John Kander, Fred Ebb |
| Michael | Autumn 2025 | Jaafar Jackson, Colman Domingo, Nia Long | Antoine Fuqua | John Logan |
| Moana | Summer 2026 | Creamrine laga, dwayne Johnson | Thomas Kail | Lin-Manuel Miranda |
| Merrily We Roll Along | TBC | Paul Mescal, Ben Platt, Beanie Feldstein | Richard Linklater | Stephen Sondheim |
| Shucked | TBC | TBC | TBC | Brandy Clark, Shane McAnally |
| Chitty Chitty Bang Bang | TBC | TBC | TBC | The Sherman Brothers |
| Follies | TBC | TBC | TBC | Stephen Sondheim |
| Beautiful: The Carole King Musical | TBC | TBC | Lisa Cholodenko | Stuart Blumberg |
| A Chorus Line | TBC | TBC | Ryan Murphy | TBC |
| Sunset Boulevard | TBC | Glenn Close | TBC | Andrew Lloyd Webber, Don Black |
FAQ
When is Wicked Part 2: For Good releasing?
Wicked Part 2: For Good is set to release in November 2025.
Who is starring in the live-action remake of Snow White?
Rachel Zegler is starring as Snow White in the live-action remake.
What makes Merrily We Roll Along unique?
Merrily We Roll Along tells the story of three friends over a 21-year period, with the narrative unfolding from the end to the beginning, showcasing the actors aging in real time.
Who is directing the live-action remake of Moana?
Thomas Kail is directing the live-action remake of Moana.
Did You Know?
Did you know that Wicked is based on the 1995 novel by Gregory Maguire, which itself is a retelling of L. Frank Baum’s classic The Wonderful Wizard of Oz?
Pro Tips
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the release dates and trailers for these upcoming musicals. They are sure to be blockbuster hits and will provide a great escape from everyday life.
Reader Question
Which upcoming musical film are you most excited to see? Let us know in the comments below!
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