All Upcoming Movie Musicals in the Next Five Years

All Upcoming Movie Musicals in the Next Five Years

Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re looking at All Upcoming Movie Musicals in the Next Five Years.

For this list, we’ll be giving a rundown of all the movie musicals headed to the silver screen over the next five years as of 2021. Although a “Merrily We Roll Along” movie was announced in 2019, they’re filming it in real-time so it doesn’t quite make our five-year cut-off… By about 15 years. Note that release dates and other details are subject to change!

Which movie musical are you most excited for and who would feature in your dream cast for it? Head downstage to the comments and let us know.

“Annette” (2021)
Release Date: August 6th, 2021

In 2016, it was announced that French director Leos Caraz would be making his English-language debut with “Annette”. Set in L.A., it’s the love story of a stand-up comedian played by Adam Driver and world-renowned soprano, played by Marion Cotillard. Their world is turned upside down by the arrival of their daughter, Annette, who has a unique gift. Also in the cast are “The Big Bang Theory’s” Simon Helberg and Belgian singer-songwriter Angéle. It also features an original soundtrack written by 70s art-pop brother duo, Sparks. It will be made available on Amazon Prime Video in mid-August 2021, following its July 6th debut at the Cannes Film Festival and a limited US theatrical release a month later.

“Everybody’s Talking About Jamie” (2021)
Release Date: September 17th, 2021

If you thought documentaries weren’t great source material for musicals, this multi-award-winning show might just change your mind. Based on the 2011 BBC documentary, “Jamie: Drag Queen at 16”, this musical drama follows Jamie New, who must overcome prejudice and wants to attend his school prom in Drag. This show will pull at your heartstrings but also leave you uplifted with its message of acceptance, love, and Pride. The original stage director, Jonathan Butterell is at the helm again, making his feature film debut. In 2022, the stage show is also set to cross the pond. But, in the meantime, you can get acquainted with Jamie’s story on Amazon Prime Video.

“Dear Evan Hansen” (2021)
Release Date: September 24th, 2021

Before “La La Land” and “The Greatest Showman”, Pasek and Paul had already taken the theater world by storm with “Dear Evan Hansen”. Ben Platt is putting the cast back on to reprise the principal role, a high schooler with social anxiety who fabricates a narrative that soon spirals out of control. Steven Levenson, who wrote the Tony-Award-winning book, has adapted it for the screen and Stephen Chbosky of “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” fame is the director. The musical was hailed for creating a conversation around teen mental health, so it’s great that it will reach an even wider audience with its theatrical release.

“Cinderella” (2021)
Release Date: September 3rd, 2021

Camila Cabello is the latest star to slip on Cinderella’s iconic glass slippers. The movie, written and directed by Kay Cannon will revamp, modernize and empower the fairytale as we know it. The soundtrack consists of well-known pop songs, although Cabello and Idina Menzel, who plays her stepmother, created some original songs too. Also, have you seen how star-studded this cast is? Minnie Driver, John Mulaney, Pierce Brosnan, James Corden - who’s also producing - and Billy Porter playing the fairy godparent role under the name of “Fab G”. This marks Cabello’s acting debut and we can’t wait to see it when the movie drops on Amazon Prime Video.

“Come from Away” (2021)
Release Date: September 2021

A movie adaptation was announced between 2017-19, followed by a long period of radio silence. So you can imagine our excitement when the writers announced that a first draft had been submitted in 2020. Based on a collection of true stories, this musical will uplift you and restore your faith in humanity. The plan for the film adaptation was to shoot on location in Gander, Newfoundland where the residents had extended a warm welcome to the cast and crew for whenever filming begins. Unfortunately, the Covid-19 pandemic ruined those plans, with a recorded version of the Original Broadway Production staged in May 2021 set to be released on Apple TV Plus to commemorate 20 years since 9/11.

“Diana” (2021)
Release Date: October 1st, 2021

In 2021, Diana would have celebrated her 60th birthday. So it seems a rather fitting year for a musical chronicling her life, to hit our screens too. The writers, Joe DiPietro and Bon Jovi’s David Bryan, who wrote the Tony Award-winning musical, “Memphis”, looked to Diana’s interviews and life stories for inspiration. It also features an original pop-rock soundtrack, including a whole song just about that famous revenge dress. The show’s Broadway debut in March 2021, was postponed due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Fortunately, a live recording without an audience was captured for Netflix. Starring Jeanna de Waal as the People’s Princess, it’s set to debut on the streaming service before it opens on Broadway.

“Tick Tick… Boom!” (2021)
Release Date: 2021

Calling all Rentheads! Jonathan Larson’s 2001, semi-autobiographical “rock monologue” is headed for Netflix. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s making his feature directorial debut, and “Dear Evan Hansen” book writer, Steven Levenson, is adapting the screenplay. Andrew Garfield headlines as Jon, an aspiring composer living in New York. He’s joined by Vanessa Hudgens, Robin de Jesus, Alexandra Shipp, Joshua Henry, Judith Light, and Bradley Whitford, making up the principal cast. Hudgens also revealed that new songs have been penned for the screen adaptation in addition to those we already know and love. Although we don’t know the exact release date yet, it’s tick, ticking closer every day.

“Encanto” (2021)
Release Date: November 24th, 2021

Lin-Manuel Miranda has reunited with Disney to tell a story that focuses on a Latinx family living in the Colombian mountains. Mirabel, voiced by Stephanie Beatriz, appears to be the only member of the Madrigals family without a magical gift. When the magic is threatened, it’s up to her to save the day. The cast is so star-studded that we would need a whole list just to get through everyone. It’s also being directed by the same guys who worked on “Zootopia”. Of course, Miranda is penning the soundtrack, which will feature songs in both English and Spanish. Could this be the movie that finally gives Miranda PEGOT status?

“Robin Robin” (2021)
Release Date: November 27th, 2021

If you’re a fan of “Wallace and Gromit,” then we have some exciting news for you. Aardman and Netflix have come together for this adorable-looking stop-motion movie musical. Robin, voiced by Bronte Carmichael, is adopted by a family of mice after her egg falls out of the nest. She’s not quite a mouse, not yet a bird but she’s ready for adventure. Gillian Anderson voices the villainous cat, Richard E. Grant plays Robin’s mentor, Magpie and Adeel Akhtar voices Dad Mouse. This sounds like the perfect film to wrap up warmly with a mug of hot cocoa and watch with the family at Christmas.

“West Side Story” (2021)
Release Date: December 10th, 2021

The 1961 movie won 10 Academy Awards, including Best Picture; talk about a tough act to follow! Still, with Steven Spielberg at the helm, “something’s coming” and we can’t wait. The remake stars Ansel Elgort as Tony, Rachel Zegler as Maria and Ariana DeBose as Anita. The legendary Rita Moreno will also feature as Valentina, an updated version of the character Doc. We’re so excited to see how our favorite numbers, such as “America”, “Somewhere” and even “Gee, Officer Krupke” have been reimagined. Like many others, the movie’s release date was delayed due to COVID-19. But we’re thrilled that there’s finally an official theatrical release date.

“Sing 2” (2021)
Release Date: December 22nd, 2021

If you loved the first movie about a group of anthropomorphic animals battling it out in a singing competition, then you’ll be thrilled to hear about its upcoming sequel. This time, theater owner Buster Moon has his sights set on a new venue and joins forces with his cast to make a splash and get noticed. Some of the original cast is joined by Pharell Williams, Halsey, Letitia Wright, Eric Andre, and Chelsea Peretti. And based on the first movie, we can expect more bangers as well. It’s such a fun, feel-good family flick that we can’t wait to catch up with Buster and the gang again.

“Cyrano” (2021)
Release Date: December 25nd, 2021

Before he was Tyrion Lannister in “Game of Thrones”, did you know that Peter Dinklage had a stage career? Treading the boards once again in 2018, Dinklage starred in an off-Broadway production of this romantic comedy musical to rave reviews. Now he’s reuniting with Haley Bennett in this stage-to-screen adaptation directed by Joe Wright. Cyrano is a poet, caught up in a love triangle with his distant cousin, Roxane, and his friend, Christian de Neuvillette. If you haven’t heard of this show before, it’s been likened to “Les Mis' ' or “Phantom” in its style. It’s the perfect Christmas present from MGM Studios and Working Title Films.

“Vivo” (2021)
Release Date: 2021

After the success of his Tony Award-winning musical “In The Heights”, Miranda collaborated with Quiara Alegría Hudes once again on this story. Vivo is a musical kinkajou - a tropical rainforest mammal - who embarks on a great adventure from Havana to Miami, with a very special note for famous singer Marta Sandoval, played by singing sensation Gloria Estefan. Miranda, who stars as the titular character, has also written 11 new songs for the movie. Sony and Columbia Pictures planned for a theatrical release, but this was canceled due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Luckily, it won’t be long now until we can finally see “Vivo” on Netflix.

“Disenchanted” (2022)
Release Date: 2022

By the time this sequel’s out, it’ll have been 15 years since Giselle and co last enchanted us on the silver screen. The fairytale has faded and when a spell to bring back the magic goes wrong, Giselle has until 12am to save Andalasia and her family. Filming for “Disenchanted” began in May 2021, with the “Enchanted” followup being directed by “Hairspray’s” Adam Shankman. Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz, who earned “Enchanted” three Best Original Song Oscar nods are back, too. Maya Rudolph joins the principal cast as the villain and, this time Patrick Dempsey and Idina Menzel get to sing too. Keep an eye out for any updates from Disney + on an official release date.

“Matilda the Musical” (2022)
Release Date: December 2nd, 2022

This musical, based on Roald Dahl's book, has been a fan favorite since 2010. In 2012, it scooped up seven Olivier Awards, breaking the record for most wins. The Broadway transfer also picked up several Tony Awards. Comedic songwriter Tim Minchin and book writer Dennis Kelly are reworking their musical for the silver screen, joined by Matthew Warchus, who directed the show both in London and on Broadway. We also know that Alisha Weir will play the titular bookworm, joined by Lashana Lynch as Miss Honey and Emma Thompson as Miss Trunchbull. The movie is set for theatrical release in the U.K and on Netflix elsewhere.

“The Color Purple” (2023)
Release Date: December 20th, 2023

This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker was first adapted for the screen by Steven Spielberg in 1985. This time around, Spielberg is putting his producer hat on instead, joined by Oprah Winfrey, Scott Sanders, and Quincy Jones. The screenplay is being written by Marcus Gardley and Blitz Bazawule, who co-directed Beyoncé’s “Black Is King,” is at the helm. Cynthia Erivo, who has since seen incredible success on stage and screen, played the character of Celie in the Broadway revival. There’s no word on whether or not she’ll reprise the role in the movie, but we can only hope that she’ll feature in some way.

“The Little Mermaid” (TBA)
Release Date: TBA

Lin-Manuel Miranda has been so busy that even Hamilton would implore him to take a break. He’s joined forces with Alan Menken to pen new songs for the latest Disney animation to get the live-action treatment. Halle Bailey is starring as Ariel and she’s joined by a pretty A-List cast, which includes Daveed Diggs as Sebastian, Melissa McCarthy as Ursula, and Awkwafina as Scuttle, just to name a few. Rob Marshall, who’s no stranger to Disney or movie musicals is directing, but sadly COVID-19 put filming on pause, causing the release date to be moved several times. However, we’re still hopeful for a 2022 release.

“Wicked” (TBA)
Release Date: TBA

If you feel like you’ve been waiting forever for an update on a screen adaptation, then good news! It’s finally happening. Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman are adapting their hit musical for the silver screen with Jon M. Chu on board to direct. Plans to get “Wicked” on-screen have had many setbacks, most recently, of course, the pandemic. However, in July 2021, Schwartz finally announced that following pre-production later that same year, filming will commence in 2022. After all, who among us hasn’t already carefully planned out our dream cast? There’s no word on casting yet though, but apparently, Chu is open to suggestions.

“Little Shop of Horrors” (TBA)
Release Date: TBA

If you were wondering why “Little Shop” is back on your radar, you have Chris Evans to thank. He’s been drumming up support for the remake of a remake in which he’s rumored to star as sadistic dentist, Orin Scrivello. The cult B-movie musical, which was written by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, will be directed by Arrowverse creator, Gregory Berlanti. Other rumored casting includes Scarlett Johansson as Audrey, Taron Egerton as Seymour, Billy Porter as Audrey II, and British girl group, “Little Mix” as the Greek Chorus. No official announcements have been made as yet, so a release date is probably still a while away.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are the latest updates on some more announced / upcoming movie musicals.

“Sunset Boulevard”, Release Date: TBA
Filming Was Postponed Due to COVID-19, but Could Glenn Close Be Reprising Her Role as Norma Desmond?

“Pinocchio”, Release Date: TBA
A Star-Studded Live-Action Adaptation of the 1940 Flick. Tom Hanks as Geppetto? Yes, Please!

“13”, Release Date: TBA
The Musical Will Be Released on Netflix. We Have a Cast, Filming Is Underway, Now We Just Need the Date

“A Chorus Line”, Release Date: TBA
Ryan Murphy Plans to Turn the 1975 Musical Into a Limited Series for Netflix

“Schmigadoon!”, Release Date: July 16th, 2021
Cecily Strong & Keegan-Michael Key Are Trapped in a Musical Until They Find True Love

“Fun Home”, Release Date: TBA
Jake Gyllenhaal Is Producing & Starring in the Adaptation of This Tony Award-Winning Musical

“Gypsy”, Release Date: TBA
“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” Creator, Amy Sherman-Palladino, Is Set to Direct & Melissa McCarthy Is Rumored to Star

“The Hunchback of Notre Dame”, Release Date: TBA
A Live-Action Adaptation Written by David Henry Hwang with Music by Alan Menken & Stephen Schwartz Is “Out There”

“Be More Chill”, Release Date: TBA
Greg Berlanti & Shawn Levy Will Be Taking This Hit Musical from Stage to Screen

“Beautiful: The Carole King Musical”, Release Date: TBA
Tom Hanks & Sony Pictures Are Adapting This Biographical Musical for the Screen

“Fiddler on the Roof”, Release Date: TBA
“Hamilton” Director Thomas Kail Is Producing & Directing This Remake for MGM

“Follies”, Release Date: TBA
Dominic Cooke, Who Directed the Acclaimed National Theatre Revival, Is on Board for the Movie

“Guys and Dolls”, Release Date: TBA
Could We Possibly See Joseph Gordon-Levitt & Channing Tatum Star in This Movie Remake?

“Jekyll & Hyde”, Release Date: TBA
“Birdman” Writer & Academy Award Winner Alexander Dinelaris Jr. Is Reportedly Attached

“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”, Release Date: TBA
Andrew Lloyd Webber & Elton John Have Plans for an Animated Version of This Musical

“Lysistrata Jones”, Release Date: TBA
Andy Fickman, Who Took “Heathers” from Screen to Stage, Is Set to Direct This Film Adaptation

“Memphis”, Release Date: TBA
Plans to Turn This Musical Into a Movie Were First Announced in 2012

“Miss Saigon”, Release Date: TBA
Cameron Mackintosh Hopes to Recreate the Success of “Les Mis’” Stage-to-Screen Journey

“Molly and the Moon”, Release Date: TBA
Jonathan Groff & Kristen Bell Will Star in This Movie Musical from the “How I Met Your Mother” Creators

“Once on This Island”, Release Date: TBA
We’ll Be Able to See This Multi-Award Winning Musical on Disney+; the Only Question Is When?

“Pippin”, Release Date: TBA
Last We Heard, the Adaptation Escaped the Clutches of a Disgraced Movie Producer

“Porgy and Bess”, Release Date: TBA
Oscar Nominee Dee Rees Is Both Writing the Screenplay & Directing, While Casting Has Begun

“Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”, Release Date: TBA
“West Side Story”’s Rachel Zegler Was Announced as the Titular Role in June 2021

“Spamalot”, Release Date: TBA
As of January 2021, the “Monty Python” Movie Musical Moved from Fox to Paramount

“Spring Awakening”, Release Date: TBA
Plans for This Movie Were First Announced in 2009, but It Seems Like It’s Finally Happening!

“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”, Release Date: TBA
Disney Is Working on the Film Adaptation with Team Members from the 2019 Live-Action “Aladdin”

“Greatest Days!”, Release Date: TBA
“Take That”’s Gary Barlow Confirmed the Movie Based on “The Band” Musical Is Set for 2021, but When?

“The King and I”, Release Date: TBA
Paramount Pictures & Temple Hill Are in the Early Stages of Remaking This Movie Musical

“The Shaggs: Philosophy of the World”, Release Date: TBA
In 2018, Elsie Fisher Was Announced to Headline This Biographical Movie Musical

“Mean Girls” (TBA)
Release Date: TBA

In 2018, Tina Fey took this popular teen flick from screen to stage with her husband and composer, Jeff Richmond, and lyricist Nell Benjamin. Now, the musical, which received 12 Tony nominations, is headed back to the silver screen. It’s still early days though, with Fey telling Variety in May 2021, that they’re still looking for a director and that she’s unlikely to take the helm. She also said that it was unlikely that any of the OG Broadway cast would be reprising their roles. We probably won’t hear any updates for a while, but how fetch would it be if it was released on October 3rd?