The casting for the much-anticipated cinematic version of Lin-Manuel Miranda's In The Heights has been more of a drip feed than a deluge, and there's a new piece to report today, at least according to Collider. The site has heard that Jimmy Smits will be a key part of the ensemble.
While the world has been burned before – Rita Moreno was reported as attached before that idea faded into vapor – Smits' attachment seems much more solid. He's on to play the proud, hardworking businessman who lives in the Washington Heights neighbourhood and runs the local taxi office.
He's also the father of Nina, one of the leads for the story, who has returned home after starting college. And in a more awkward situation, he employs Benny (Corey Hawkins), who just so happens to be the love of Nina's life. Not that Kevin is pleased by that...
In The Heights, which Miranda created before Hamilton, takes place over a sweltering couple of days as lives are changed by windfalls, blackouts occur and songs are sung. The anchor is Usnavi (Anthony Ramos), a bodega owner who has decided to return to Puerto Rico, only to have second thoughts.
Jon M. Chu is in the director's chair, with Marc Klein adapting the script and Quiara Alegría Hudes taking first position on the musical book for the film. In The Heights has a Stateside release date set for June next year.
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