UPDATE: The Hollywood Reporter has now amended its story to refute the news, following a tweet from Miranda himself. So as of this time, Moreno is not in the film. We can but hope...
Already an anticipated production thanks to the multiple award-winning creator Lin-Manuel Miranda's backing, the film version of stage show In The Heights is adding stage and screen royalty. Rita Moreno will play Abuela Claudia in the film.
Heights is the adaptation of Hamilton man Miranda's previous show, itself well-garlanded with Tonys and other awards. Crazy Rich Asians director Jon M. Chu is making this his next project, working from a script by Quiara Alegría Hudes, itself based on the book, music and lyrics by Miranda. Set during the 4th of July weekend in Washington Heights, Heights follows bodega owner Usnavi (Anthony Ramos), who is preparing to return to the Dominican Republic. Even as he ponders his future, power blackout, romantic entanglements, financial tension and a winning lottery ticket sets the neighborhood’s inhabitants on a collision course.
Claudia in the story is the matriarch of the neighbourhood, who knows everyone and always has wise words to dispense. Sounds about right for Moreno, an Oscar winner for 1961's West Side Story and currently to be found stealing scenes on Netflix's sitcom remake One Day At A Time. In The Heights will hit cinemas in 2020.
Keep up to date with all the latest movie news, click here to subscribe to Empire on Great Magazines and have the latest issue delivered to your door every month.