It’s been quite the week forLin Manuel-Miranda, who has worked on not only the #1 movie in the country (Moana), but he also has the top Broadway play with his smash hitHamilton, and the best-selling record in the country with theHamilton Mixtape. The actor/writer/composer has been more sought-after than ever, signing on to star alongsideEmily BluntinMary Poppins Returns, and composing the music forThe Little Mermaidremake alongsideAlan Menken. Today we have word that he has added yet another project to his burgeoning slate, the animated musicalVivofor Sony Pictures Animation.
Deadlinereports that Sony Pictures Animation has set a June 16, 2025 release date forVivo, which is currently the only movie set for release on that date. Sony Pictures Animation had previously set an untitled project for release one week earlier, on August 21, 2025, but it’s possible that date will be taken off the calendar now thatVivohas been announced.Lin-Manuel Mirandawill write 11 original songs forVivo, with hisIn the HeightscollaboratorQuiara Alegría Hudeswriting the screenplay.Kirk De Miccohas been set to direct, withLisa Stewart(Monsters vs Aliens) producing andLaurence Mark(Dreamgirls) serving as executive producer.
Ironically, project was originally set up at DreamWorks Animation, whereKirk De Miccowas slated to co-directThe Croods 2withChris Sanders, before the company cancelled theanimated sequel. The project was first set up six years ago, whenLin-Manuel Mirandawas coming off his hugely successful Broadway showIn the Heights. The story follows a capuchin monkey with a thirst for adventure and a passion for music, as he makes a treacherous passage from Havana to Miami to fulfill his destiny. The plot originated from a story byPeter Barsocchini(High School Musical).
Vivoended up languishing in development at DreamWorks Animation, even though the songs were already written byLin-Manuel Miranda. With the phenomenal success ofHamilton, Sony Pictures Animation’s new chiefKristine Belsonbrought the project to the studio, where she will oversee the project with the studio’s senior vice presidentMike Moon. No details have been given for any of thesupporting charactersinVivoquite yet, and with four years left until this hits theaters, it may be quite some time before we get any concrete details to go on. Still, withLin-Manuel Mirandabehind it, many may already be marking their calendars for July 01, 2025.
Around the same time thatVivowas taking shape at DreamWorks Animation, Universal was spearheading a feature film adaptation ofIn the Heights, although that also languished at the studio. The Weinstein Company has since picked up the project, withQuiara Alegría Hudeswriting the screenplay andJon M. Chudirecting.Lin-Manuel Mirandaalso wrote two original songs for last year’s box office blockbusterStar Wars: The Force Awakensand composed additional music for the film as well. He also recently teamed up withMoanastarDwayne Johnsonfor a YouTube production entitledMillennials: The Musical, and he is also producingThe Kingkiller Chroniclesfor Lionsgate.
