Lin-Manuel Miranda Reveals Whether It Was Tough Giving Up Role To Anthony Ramos For In 'The Heights' Movie

Lin-Manuel Miranda and Anthony Ramos  In The Heights

Lin-Manuel Miranda originated the lead role of Usnavi in the Broadway production of IN THE HEIGHTS over a decade ago. Miranda cast Anthony Ramos to take over the role for the cinematic adaptation. CineMovie asked the multi-talented artist if giving up the role to a younger actor was a difficult decision. 

The big screen adaptation of the Tony-winning play finally arrives in movie theaters and on HBO after a years delay. Directed by Jon M. Chu (CRAZY RICH ASIANS, G.I. JOE: RETALIATION) and the written by the original author and playwright Quiara Alegrîa Hudes, the musical stars Ramos as the lead character of Usnavi de la Vega, along with Melissa Barrera (Vida), Jimmy Smits, Corey Hawkins (STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON) , Dascha Polanco (Orange is the New Black) and Olga Merediz reprises her Broadway role as Abuela Claudia.  

Official Synopsis

Lights up on Washington Heights...The scent of a cafecito caliente hangs in the air just outside of the 181st Street subway stop, where a kaleidoscope of dreams rallies this vibrant and tight-knit community. At the intersection of it all is the likeable, magnetic bodega owner Usnavi (Anthony Ramos), who saves every penny from his daily grind as he hopes, imagines and sings about a better life.

IN THE HEIGHTS fuses Lin-Manuel Miranda’s kinetic music and lyrics with director Jon M. Chu’s lively and authentic eye for storytelling to capture a world very much of its place, but universal in its experience.

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