There’s been these persistent rumors, for many weeks now, about casting for Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “Octet,” a film adaptation of the popular Off-Broadway musical.
We can now confirm that Rachel Zegler and Amanda Seyfried are set to lead “Octet,” with a production start set for this month. The rest of the cast includes Sheryl Lee Ralph, Phillipa Soo, Jonathan Groff and Tramell Tillman.
“Octet” is an a cappella musical centered on eight internet-obsessed people who meet in a church basement, lock their phones in a box, and share their struggles with digital dependency. The show premiered Off-Broadway in 2019, winning numerous prestigious prizes. Composer/lyricist Dave Malloy will adapt his own show for the screen.
“Octet” will mark Miranda’s second film as a director. The creator of “Hamilton” and “In the Heights” made his film directorial debut with 2021’s “tick, tick… BOOM!” starring Andrew Garfield.
Seyfreid is coming off the immense success of “The Housemaid.” She’s been in a handful of movie musicals, having starred in “Mamma Mia,” “Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again,” “Les Miserables,” and last year’s “The Testament of Ann Lee.”
As for Zegler, this is a big deal — and with the “Snow White” drama behind her, not to mention her recent Olivier win for “Evita,” it’s a much-needed lifeline for her movie career in an industry that’s tried to shun her since that misbegotten Disney movie and her puzzling actions before its release.
“Octet” currently has no confirmed release date or attached studio. The intention appears to be to secure U.S. distribution and target a 2027 release for the film.
Scott is suggesting something more significant than a simple return to the series: the filmmaker appears to believe the franchise has drifted off course.