My Top 5 2020s Movies That Should Become Broadway Musicals
The cast of Sinners performing “I Lied To You” at the 98th Academy Awards (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)
This decade has been filled with movies that pushed the boundaries of their genres, and some of them could see their hearts sing out in the heart of the musical theater stage in the near future. Here’s a list of my top 5 films from the 2020s that I can see making it to Broadway along with dream creative teams and casts who can bring them to life.
1 - Sinners (2025)
Directed by Ryan Cooler
Yes, it’s not officially classified as a musical, but Ryan Coogler’s modern masterpiece combining elements of Southern Gothic, the period drama, the gangster film, supernatural horror and musical elements already has the ingredients for it to be adapted into a Hamilton-like smash-hit for the Great White Way. Just imagine many of its song-and-dance moments like “Pale, Pale Moon,” “Travelin’,” “Pick Poor Robin Clean,” "Will Ye Go, Lassie Go?," and of course, the fan-favorite “Rocky Road to Dublin” and Academy Award-nominated “I Lied To You,” all being brought to life in an in-the-round setting like the Circle in the Square Theater.
As for casting, I would love to see the now Oscar-winning role of the Smokestack Twins being played by Leslie Odom Jr. and Brandon Victor Dixon, but have them switch roles daily so as for both actors to explore both sides of the twins in their own unique ways. In my opinion, only Miles Caton, Delroy Lindo and Jack O’Connell can bring their respective characters of Sammie, Delta Slim and Remmick to life, that I’d love to see those two reprise their roles live. Danielle Brooks, Alex Newell or Da’Vine Joy Randolph would make a good Annie; James Monroe Iglehart or David Allan Grier would play Cornbread; Joy Woods would be a beautiful Pearline; and Isa Briones would take on the mantle of Hailee Steinfeld’s role of Mary. All I can say is get this on the stage ASAP. We’re all ready to “sink our teeth” into this one.
2 - Barbie (2023)
Directed by Greta Gerwig
When the cultural phenomenon Barbie hit movie screens in 2023, it was like lightning in a bottle. The colors, the clothes, the monologues, and of course, two moments that makes the film look like it could have worked as a musical - “Dance the Night” and “I’m Just Ken.” And then, enter Ryan Gosling performing the latter song at the 96th Academy Awards and everyone was buzzing that Barbie and Ken’s journey of self-discovery should be brought to the stage. In my opinion, it can work like the SpongeBob Squarepants musical where they had multiple recording artists (in Barbie’s case: Dua Lipa, Billie Eilish & Finneas O'Connell, Kevin Parker, Mark Ronson & Andrew Wyatt) contribute to the score, and have the sets and costumes create the same level of contrast BarbieLand and the real world had on-screen.
3 - Elvis (2022)
Directed by Baz Luhrmann
The life of the “King of Rock and Roll” was brilliantly brought to the screen by Baz Luhrmann with the exact amount of bells-and-whistles he utilized on his previous work (1996’s Romeo + Juliet and 2001’s Moulin Rouge!), complete with a magnetic leading performance from Austin Butler. Luhrmann has very recently announced that a stage adaptation is officially in the works, so it’s no surprise that it be included on my list.
For a stage production, I can see them doing it ways the Tony Award-winning stage adaptation of Moulin Rouge! already accomplished, even though Luhrmann’s iconic frenetic editing style would be dearly absent from adding to the energy of the proceedings. Large-scale, shiny set designs, screens and elaborate choreography can make up for that. Casting for the real-life figures would be quite tricky, so hopefully they find the right people who can take on Elvis Presley, Col. Tom Parker and Priscilla Presley with true authenticity and historical accuracy.
4 - The Fabelmans (2022)
Directed by Steven Spielberg
The semi-autobiographical look at the early life of director Steven Spielberg, through the eyes of fictionalized teenage filmmaker Sammy Fabelman, is touching, emotional and at times inspirational, with stand-out scenes and performances that stay with you after the credits roll. Just imagine this movie getting the treatment of “Fun Home meets Sunday in the Park with George” but with filmmaking as the art form at the center of it.
For a stage adaptation, I can picture the use of screens that display what Sammy sees when he he makes his “films within the film” and for changes in scenery to keep the story’s flow going. The score would be a mix of John Williams’ exact intimate and personal style utilized in the film’s score with hints of Stephen Sondheim and Jeanine Tesori. Even a Pasek and Paul-like solo finale number for Sammy after he meets John Ford in the final scene where he is energized and ready to continue pursuing his dream of filmmaking would be a the cherry on top (bonus points if the final shot that fixes the position of the horizon is re-created). One particular scene that can become a beautiful solo dance number is the moment where the family is on a camping trip and the mother Mitzi dances in front of the car headlights, a showcase for whomever can replicate Michelle Williams’ graceful movements just as Spielberg shot it for the screen.
5 - CODA (2021)
Directed by Sian Heder
The English-language remake of the French film La Famille Bélier went on to win 3 Academy Awards including Best Picture, and its feel-good story about the only-hearing child of a deaf family captured the hearts of those who have seen it. Deaf West Theater is already at work on bringing this film to the stage, but here are some ideas that I could help them finally get it to fruition.
First off, you obviously need to bring back Marlee Matlin, Troy Kotsur (who won the Oscar for his performance) and Daniel Durant, as seeing them reprise their roles live can add the same emotional anchor that helped the film earn its prestige. Minimalist set design can keep the story as the main focus, connecting us deeper with the characters and their journeys. And of course, make sure the climactic performance of Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now” remains intact.
