Film News

Olga Merediz and Jimmy Smits Join In the Heights Movie Cast

More casting has been announced by Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Olga Merediz and Jimmy Smits will star in the In the Heights movie.
Olga Merediz and Jimmy Smits will star in the In the Heights movie.
(© Joseph Marzullo)

Lin-Manuel Miranda has announced further casting for the In the Heights film.

As speculated, Olga Merediz will reprise her Tony-nominated performance as Abuela Claudia, which she originated onstage. Gregory Diaz IV (Matilda the Musical) will play Sonny, and Jimmy Smits (NYPD Blue) will play Kevin Rosario. They join Melissa Barrera (Vanessa), Leslie Grace (Nina), Anthony Ramos (Usnavi), and Corey Hawkins (Benny).

With a score by Miranda and book by Quiara Alegría Hudes, In the Heights won the 2008 Tony Awards for Best Musical, Best Music and Lyrics (Miranda), Best Choreography (Andy Blankenbuehler), and Best Orchestrations (Alex Lacamoire and Bill Sherman). The original cast recording won the 2008 Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album. The film will be directed by Jon M. Chu, and will shoot, according to Miranda, in this summer in the New York neighborhood of Washington Heights.