Amy Adams Joins Universal’s ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ Adaptation

Oscar nominated actress Amy Adams is the latest to join Universal’s movie adaptation of Tony-winning musical, “Dear Evan Hansen.”

Adams, the six-time Oscar nominee for films like “American Hustle” and “Vice,” will play Cynthia Murphy, the mother of Connor and Zoe. The role originated on Broadway by Jennifer Laura Thompson.

Stephen Chbosky (Wonder) is directing the feature which has a script by Steven Levenson, who wrote the book for the stage musical. Music and lyrics are by Academy Award-winning duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. Who also worked on “La La Land” and “The Greatest Showman.”

The Tony Award Winning Musical

Ben Platt, who originated the role and even won a Tony for it, is reprising the character of Evan Hansen. An awkward teen high schooler with social anxiety. He unintentionally gets caught up in a lie after the family of a classmate who committed suicide mistakes one of Hansen’s letters for their son’s suicide note. The act initially brings him closer to a crush and brings him attention but he must face repercussions when the truth surfaces. The musical won six Tony Awards in 2017.

Earlier this year in June, Ben spoke on The Jimmy Fallon Show about the adaptation saying. “It’s something that we’ve definitely been trying to get together to make happen,” he said. “I know Universal [Pictures] really wants to make the film. It’s a toss-up at this point just based on, can we do it safely and can we get it together in time?”

The Cast

Colton Ryan (Apple TV+’s Little Voices) and Kaitlyn Dever (Booksmart) will star as Connor and Zoe, respectively. Universal announced last week that Amandla Stenberg (The Hate U Give) will appear as high school senior Alana, in an expanded role from the stage production. She is also set to perform a song in the film. According to reports, Nik Dodani (Atypical) has also been cast.

Marc Platt, who produced La La Land, and Adam Siegel will produce for their Universal-based Marc Platt Productions. Universal’s senior vice president of production, Sara Scott and director of development Lexi Barta will oversee production on behalf of the studio.

Not Adams’ first foray into singing

Adams got her start in the entertainment world on stage in her teens. One of her first productions was in a community theater rendition of Annie. This adaptation does not mark Adams’ first foray into singing. She previously starred as Giselle in 2007’s Enchanted and has also starred in The Muppets. Adams has been nominated for the Oscars six times, for her roles in movies like “Junebug,” “Doubt,” “The Fighter,” “The Master,” “American Hustle” and “Vice.”

Adams took 2019 off after a busy 2018 that included Vice and the HBO limited series Sharp Objects. She has a busy fall ahead of her . Adams will next be seen in the Netflix drama, directed by Ron Howard, titled, Hillbilly Elegy. She is also set to star in the Joe Wright-directed thriller, The Woman in the Window. Both projects are expected to come out later this year.