'In The Heights' Movie To Film This Summer In Washington Heights

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS, NY — The musical that launched the career of Washington Heights native Lin-Manuel Miranda will make its return to the neighborhood this summer when the musical is adapted into a movie, Miranda announced.

The "In The Heights" movie will be shot within the neighborhood where its subject matter takes place — which isn't always the case for big-budget movies — Miranda announced in a tweet. The Broadway and movie star made the revelation while announcing casting decisions on social media. Specific filming locations were not announced.

Miranda and "In The Heights" director Jon M. Chu have been announcing casting results for the film in recent weeks. The musical adaptation will star Miranda's frequent collaborator Anthony Ramos as well as Mexican actress Melissa Barrera, singer Leslie Grace and "Straight Outta Compton" start Corey Hawkins. Olga Merediz, a cast member in the original Broadway musical, will reprise her role for the movie.

Hollywood studio Warner Bros. set a summer of 2020 release date for the adaptation after acquiring its rights from the disgraced Weinstein Company in May 2018, Variety first reported. The movie has been in the works for many years and the musical's book writer Quiara Alegría Hudes is attached as the screenwriter, according to the report.

"In The Heights" catapulted Washington Heights-born Miranda to national prominence when it won the 2008 Tony Award for best musical. Miranda, who wrote the musical's songs and also starred in the lead role, was nominated for best actor.

The musical's plot revolves around the owner of a Washington Heights bodega who inherits his grandmother's fortune and decides to close his store. The original Broadway cast included Miranda, Christopher Jackson, Arielle Jacobs and Andrea Burns.