'In The Heights' Movie Trailer Makes Uptown The Star

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS-INWOOD, NY — Warner Brothers dropped the first trailer for the film adaptation of Lin Manuel-Miranda's "In the Heights" Thursday, and two-minute short clip prominently features Uptown landmarks.

Actors and dancers perform numbers from the Tony-winning play near the George Washington Bridge, at Highbridge Pool and in the streets and avenues of Washington Heights. The film stars actor Anthony Ramos as protagonist Usnavi, a bodega owner with dreams of moving to the Dominican Republic, the birthplace of his parents.

Broadway and film stars such as Jimmy Smits, Marc Antony, 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.

In addition to featuring Washington Heights landmarks, a number of locals were given the opportunity to appear in the film. A casting call for extras was held in the neighborhood as filming took place over the summer for roles as Washington Heights residents.

"In The Heights" was shot in Washington Heights from June to September. The musical won the 2008 Tony Award. Miranda, who wrote the musical's songs and also starred in the lead role, was nominated for best actor.

Miranda, director Jon M. Chu and Quiara Alegría Hudes, who wrote the book for "In the Heights," are helming the film adaptation. Warner Bros. set a summer of 2020 release date after acquiring the film rights from the disgraced Weinstein Company in May 2018.

Watch the trailer below: