Every now and then, there’s a Broadway show that transcends the artistic medium and becomes a cultural phenomenon before making the jump to the world of film. Of course, one of the biggest examples of that is “Cats,” but the less we talk about that, the better. Next, it appears that “Dear Evan Hansen” is poised to be the next big film musical based on a Broadway show, and it’s going to feature some pretty great actors.
According to Deadline, Kaitlyn Dever is the newest actor to join the upcoming film adaptation of the Broadway musical, “Dear Evan Hansen.” She’s currently in talks to join Ben Platt (who is expected to reprise his starring role from the Broadway run) in the cast for the film that will be directed by Stephen Chbosky. The film is expected to follow the same story of the musical, which is about a young teen with social anxiety that devises a plan to become closer to the family of a classmate that recently committed suicide.
Dever is probably best known for her recent roles in the film “Booksmart” and the Netflix series “Unbelievable.” However, outside of being one of the best up-and-coming actors working today, Dever is also an accomplished singer-songwriter as a member of the duo Beulahbelle, a group with songs on the soundtrack to the Jason Reitman film, “Tully.” In addition to that, Dever is also part of the recently-announced TV series produced by Margot Robbie, titled “The Wildest Animals in Griffith Park,” starring opposite Joey King.
As mentioned, the film comes from director Chbosky, who is probably best known as the writer-director of “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” and the hit family film, “Wonder.” The film version of “Dear Evan Hansen” will still feature the music and lyrics from composers Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, best known for their work in “La La Land” and “The Greatest Showman.”
