Broadway musical fans are having a good year, with films like In the Heights and West Side Story premiering in theaters. And today, fans got a first glimpse at the film adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical Dear Evan Hansen, which will come to life this fall.
The story centers on Evan Hansen, a socially anxious teenager who tries to find a place he belongs in a difficult, fast-paced world. Through catchy songs and a compelling narrative, Dear Evan Hansen brings often difficult topics to light. The 2015 musical received critical acclaim for its portrayal of mental illness, particularly in youth. Evan struggles with the normal nuances of being a teenager, but coupled with anxiety, his life becomes even more confusing.
Beyond the teenager’s struggles, the story also highlights how parents can affect their children navigating life with a mental illness. Evan’s mother Heidi plays a key part in Evan discovering how he could, and could, live his life.
Ben Platt, who received Tony, Grammy and Emmy awards for his portrayal of Evan Hansen in the original Broadway production, will reprise his role in the film adaptation. Joining Platt is a stellar cast featuring Oscar winner Julianne Moore, Oscar nominee Amy Adams, Kaitlyn Dever (Booksmart), Amandla Stenberg (The Hunger Games, The Hate U Give), Colton Ryan (Apple TV+’s Little Voice) and Nik Dodani (Netflix’s Atypical).
Acclaimed filmmaker Stephen Chbosky (The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Wonder) directed the film alongside Tony-winning screenwriter Steven Levenson. Oscar, Grammy and Tony-winning songwriting team Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (La La Land, The Greatest Showman) wrote music and lyrics. Ben’s father Marc Platt (La La Land, Into the Woods) and Adam Siegel (Drive) produced the film.
The film is slated for release September 24.
