Lin-Manuel Miranda Announces Star-Studded Cast for New Movie “Octet” Featuring Amanda Seyfried and Rachel Zegler

**Lin-Manuel Miranda to Direct Film Adaptation of ‘Octet’ Featuring Star-Studded Cast**

Lin-Manuel Miranda, the acclaimed creator of the musical phenomenon ‘Hamilton’, has confirmed his role as director for the film adaptation of ‘Octet’. This adaptation of the Off-Broadway musical, which first premiered in 2019, was announced by Miranda on April 2.

In an exciting reveal on April 14, Miranda unveiled an impressive cast that includes the talents of Rachel Zegler, Amanda Seyfried, Jonathan Groff, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Phillipa Soo, Tramell Tillman, and Paul-Jordan Jansen. The news was shared on Instagram, where Miranda posted a photo of a rehearsal sign-in sheet, showcasing the cast members alongside their respective roles. He captioned the post, “Rehearsals have begun,” giving fans a glimpse into the project’s progression.

Miranda expressed his enthusiasm for ‘Octet’, stating that he has been captivated by the production since experiencing its world premiere directed by Annie Tippe in late 2019. “I haven’t stopped thinking about ‘Octet’ since I saw it,” Miranda revealed. He praised Dave Malloy’s score, describing it as “versatile” and “brilliant”, adding that its relevance seems to increase with time.

The film marks Miranda’s second directorial venture, following his successful debut with ‘tick, tick… BOOM!’ in 2021—a project based on composer Jonathan Larson’s iconic musical. ‘Octet’ delves into themes of digital dependency, chronicling the lives of eight internet-addicted individuals as they convene in a church basement, where they must surrender their mobile devices. The narrative explores their quest for connection and authenticity, articulated through powerful melodies and insightful lyrics.

In a statement reflecting on the film’s development, Malloy, the original composer of the musical, conveyed his excitement for Miranda’s involvement. He praised Miranda’s storytelling abilities and commitment to musical theatre, stating he feels honoured to have such a renowned figure adapt ‘Octet’ into a new medium. Malloy commented, “I was utterly gobsmacked by his work on ‘tick, tick… BOOM!’ and know he’s going to create something fantastic.”

The cast features a mix of celebrated performers. Rachel Zegler, at just 24, recently won an Olivier Award for her role in the London production of ‘Evita’. Meanwhile, Amanda Seyfried, another esteemed actress, has recently completed filming for ‘The Testament of Ann Lee’, which includes musical components. The reunion of Miranda with Jonathan Groff and Phillipa Soo is especially notable, as the trio shared the stage in the original Broadway cast of ‘Hamilton’ over a decade ago.

While the narrative structure focuses on a group grappling with their reliance on technology, the soundtrack promises to highlight the vibrancy of human connection. The film aims to resonate with audiences by addressing contemporary struggles while celebrating the beauty of community through music.

As of now, there is no official release date announced for ‘Octet’, but excitement continues to build as rehearsals are underway. Fans of Miranda and musicals alike are eagerly anticipating how this new adaptation will unfold. With an ensemble cast of such calibre and Miranda’s visionary direction, ‘Octet’ is poised to capture attention in both cinematic and musical communities.