Much-loved films with stage adaptations in development

We all love a good new musical, don’t get us wrong. But some fantastic titles on our stages have been adapted from books, television shows, and, of course, films!

In the right hands and with the right care and attention, blockbusters can transfer beautifully onto the stage – expanding their worlds and the characters within them, and opening them up widely for new audiences to enjoy.

As we eagerly await the world premiere of Pride in 2026, here are six other much-loved films soon to be getting the stage treatment!

CODA

Siân Heder’s Academy Award-nominated film CODA is being developed into a stage musical! The producers of the 2021 film. Vendôme Pictures and Pathé Films are partnering with Deaf West Theatre (the company creates theatrical experiences inspired by Deaf culture and the power of sign language) to translate the story on stage. It follows teenage Ruby Rossi, who is the only hearing member of a Deaf family, otherwise known as a CODA (child of Deaf adults), as she is torn between her dreams of a musical career and her obligation to her family.

In a statement, Deaf West artistic director, DJ Kurs, said: “In the movie, there is a scene where the Deaf members of the Rossi family, confronted with an inaccessible school performance, take in Ruby’s song through the joy of others in the audience. This is an opportunity, then, to bring the story full circle by bringing it back to members of the Deaf community and by making the music accessible through our signed and sung live adaptation of the movie.”

Crazy Rich Asians

In 2024, it was confirmed that a musical version of Crazy Rich Asians is in the works! Jon M Chu, who directed the movie of Kevin Kwan’s rom-com, as well as blockbuster hits In the Heights and recent blockbuster hits Wicked and Wicked: For Good, will be back at the helm. It has its sights set on Broadway (which would mark Chu’s debut), but a pre-Broadway run will come first (just like how Chu saw Wicked in San Francisco!). For those unfamiliar, it explores young love meeting old money. The production will feature a book by Leah Nanako Winkler (God Said This), with music by Helen Park (KPOP) and lyrics by Amanda Green (High Fidelity) and Tat Tong.

La La Land

We’re ready for another day of sun! The Academy Award-winning flick starring Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling enchanted audiences in 2016 with its tunes by EGOT status writers Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, and Justin Horowitz –  and development for the stage is pretty far ahead! Bartlett Sher will direct, and the book will be courtesy of Pulitzer Prize winner Ayad Akhtar and Matthew Decker. When we caught up with the director last summer, he confirmed that workshops were underway in New York, with Marc Platt as producer!

Nanny McPhee

Emma Thompson has been working on the stage adaptation of Nanny McPhee for quite some time, after starring in the much-loved film franchise. With tunes by Gary Clark (who has experienced London love for Sing Street), Thompson has described the music in the piece as a “cross between the Tiger Lillies and Tom Waits’s ‘Swordfishtrombones.’” It has now been reported that it is aiming for a West End bow in 2026, and early workshops have featured the likes of Olivia Colman, Lily James, Rory Kinnear and Sophie Thompson, with Katy Rudd said to be directing.

Silver Linings Playbook

Tony-winning producer James D Stern (The Producers and Hairspray) has acquired the stage rights to Silver Linings Playbook, following Matthew Quick’s 2008 novel and David O Russell’s 2012 film. Following two grieving individuals who learn to love one another after entering a dance competition, the roles of Tiffany and Pat were made famous by Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper. He’s been hush on other details, so we’re just holding tight!

Slumdog Millionaire

Phone a friend, and let them know that Slumdog Millionaire is coming to the stage! The Oscar-winning movie directed by Danny Boyle follows two brothers struggling to make ends meet in Mumbai. While one is seduced into a life of crime, the other embarks on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity courtesy of the Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? quiz show. Tony Award-winning producer Ken Davenport has secured the rights and has confirmed that it will feature songs from the movie, like “Jai Ho” by the Pussycat Dolls, alongside new music by A R Rahman, who won two Academy Awards for his work on the original film.