Lin-Manuel Miranda to Direct Film Adaptation of Dave Malloy's Octet

Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda has announced his next directorial project: a film adaptation of Dave Malloy's a cappella chamber musical Octet. Malloy, whose previous works include Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812, is adapting his own book and score for the screen.

What Is Octet About?

Set in a church basement meeting room, Octet follows eight people struggling with internet addiction who have been gathered together by an enigmatic figurehead to cure themselves of their digital habits. The 2019 chamber musical premiered off-Broadway and has yet to be staged in the UK.

Miranda's Growing Directorial Career

Miranda previously directed the critically acclaimed film adaptation of Jonathan Larson's tick, tick… Boom!, which earned Andrew Garfield a Golden Globe and Oscar nomination. His work as a composer and lyricist on Hamilton transformed the modern musical landscape, and the show continues to draw audiences at the Victoria Palace Theatre in London's West End.

Casting and additional production details for the Octet film will be announced at a later date. Speculation has already begun, with fans noting that actress Rachel Zegler recently posted an Instagram clue featuring the word "Octet" in a crossword puzzle.

What This Means for Musical Theatre Fans

The announcement signals another high-profile musical-to-film pipeline, following the success of screen adaptations of Wicked, Les Misérables, and The Phantom of the Opera. Whether Octet will receive a London stage production before the film remains to be seen.