If a stage show becomes enough of a success – and scoring several Tony Awards is just one indication – there's always the possibility that the film world will come a-courting. It's now the turn of musical sensation Dear Evan Hansen, for which Universal has just bought the rights to adapt for the screen. And Wonder's Stephen Chbosky is in talks to direct it.
Dear Evan Hansen follows the story of a high schooler plagued with social anxiety who concocts a story to become closer to the family of one of his classmates who committed suicide. Benj Pasek and Justin Paul – Oscar winners for their work on La La Land – wrote the music and lyrics for the show, scoring a Best Musical Tony along the way, and sold the rights to the studio and producer Marc Platt. The latter already has a close connection to the show, as his son Ben originated the title role and won his own Tony for it.
Deadline was not able to learn whether the younger Platt will reprise his role, as it's too early for casting. But the musical's book writer Steven Levenson is on board to work on the script. Chbosky, meanwhile, feels like the right director for this one, especially given his success with The Perks Of Being A Wallflower.
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