Renowned composer and filmmaker Lin-Manuel Miranda has officially revealed his next directing venture, taking on a feature film adaptation of Dave Malloy’s acclaimed musical Octet. The stage production, which first premiered Off-Broadway in 2019, centers on the theme of internet addiction through the lens of a unique support group setting.
The original musical is performed entirely a cappella and follows eight individuals attending a group session in a church basement, each grappling with their relationship with technology and online dependency. Its innovative storytelling and musical composition earned widespread praise for tackling a modern issue with emotional depth and creativity.
Miranda shared that the project has remained on his mind since he first experienced the stage production in 2019. He praised Malloy’s musical score for its originality and increasing relevance in today’s digital age, which ultimately inspired him to bring the story to a wider audience through film.
This project marks Miranda’s second directorial effort following the success of tick, tick…BOOM! released in 2021, which received critical acclaim for its storytelling and performances. With Octet, he aims to once again translate a powerful stage narrative into a cinematic experience.
The film will be produced by Julie Oh, who is joining Miranda’s production company 5000 Broadway Productions as head of film and television. Additional producers include John Skidmore and Luis A. Miranda Jr., while Malloy himself is adapting the screenplay and serving as an executive producer.
Dave Malloy expressed excitement about the collaboration, praising Miranda’s storytelling ability and creative vision. He also highlighted their shared understanding of the digital world, noting that Miranda is well-suited to bring the story to life on screen.
Further production support comes from several notable Broadway producers and organizations, reflecting strong industry backing for the project. Casting details for the film have not yet been announced, but anticipation is already building among fans of musical theatre and cinema alike.
