Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda adds a lesbian twist to In the Heights film
The new adaptation of In The Heights will explore a lesbian relationship between Daniela and Carla, who run a salon
Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda has confirmed that the upcoming film version of his musical In the Heights will include LGBT+ characters.
The upcoming musical adaptation will include a number of timely updates to Miranda’s 2005 musical, which features a diverse range of Hispanic-American immigrants living in New York’s Washington Heights neighbourhood.
Ahead of the film’s release in June 2020, it was confirmed that the film adaptation will portray beauty salon owner Daniela and beautician Carla as girlfriends.
In the Heights adaptation adds lesbian relationship
The two characters were portrayed as close friends in the original musical, though the sexuality of the two characters was not explored.
Daphne Rubin-Vega, who plays Daniela, told Broadway.com of the additions: “Carla and I are girlfriends; we’re partners…. we cohabitate, it’s safe to say.”
Carla is played in the film by Brooklyn Nine-Nine star Stephanie Beatriz.
The first In the Heights trailer gave a glimpse at Daniela and Carla’s salon
Jon M Chu, who is directing the adaptation, confirmed to the outlet: “We’re doubling and tripling down on that [storyline]!”
Referencing a song from the show, Lin-Manuel Miranda tweeted: “Tell ‘em something they don’t know…❤️❤️❤️?❤️??”.
Film will bring the 2005 story up to date
The trailer, released on Thursday, confirmed that the adaptation plans to bring the show right up to date with references to Trump-era immigration polices.
Chu explained: “Art is made in the time it’s supposed to be made. It just had a long journey, 10-11 years, and this was the right time.
“This is the moment when being American is being questioned, the American dream is being questioned. This is not a political movie in any way. This is about joy and community.”
As well as Hamilton and In The Heights, Lin-Manuel Miranda also co-wrote the music for 2011 show Bring It On, which was the first Broadway musical ever to feature a transgender teenage character.
Hamilton also includes some more subtle hints to the rumoured bisexuality of the US founding father Alexander Hamilton.
