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Introducing ‘In The Heights,’ a new film from the director of Crazy Rich Asians

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The creator of “Hamilton” and the director of “Crazy Rich Asians” invite you to a cinematic event, where the streets are made of music and little dreams become big… “In the Heights.” 

(L-r) COREY HAWKINS as Benny and LESLIE GRACE as Nina in Warner Bros. Pictures’ “IN THE HEIGHTS,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release.
(L-r) COREY HAWKINS as Benny and LESLIE GRACE as Nina in Warner Bros. Pictures’ “IN THE HEIGHTS,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release. (Macall Polay)

Lights up on Washington Heights…The scent of a cafecito caliente hangs in the air just outside of the 181st Street subway stop, where a kaleidoscope of dreams rallies this vibrant and tight-knit community. At the intersection of it all is the likeable, magnetic bodega owner Usnavi (Anthony Ramos), who saves every penny from his daily grind as he hopes, imagines and sings about a better life. 

(Center) ANTHONY RAMOS as Usnavi in Warner Bros. Pictures’ “IN THE HEIGHTS,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release.
(Center) ANTHONY RAMOS as Usnavi in Warner Bros. Pictures’ “IN THE HEIGHTS,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release.

“In the Heights” fuses Lin-Manuel Miranda’s kinetic music and lyrics with director Jon M. Chu’s lively and authentic eye for storytelling to capture a world very much of its place, but universal in its experience. 

 “In the Heights” stars Anthony Ramos (“A Star is Born,” Broadway’s “Hamilton”), Corey Hawkins (“Straight Outta Compton,” “BlacKkKlansman”), singer/songwriter Leslie Grace, Melissa Barrera (TV’s “Vida”), Olga Merediz (Broadway’s “In the Heights”), Daphne Rubin-Vega (Broadway’s “Rent”), Gregory Diaz IV (Broadway’s “Matilda the Musical”), Stephanie Beatriz (TV’s “Brooklyn Nine-Nine”), Dascha Polanco (TV’s “Orange is the New Black”) and Jimmy Smits (the “Star Wars” films). 

(Left Center-Right Center) ANTHONY RAMOS as Usnavi and MELISSA BARRERA as Vanessa in Warner Bros. Pictures’ “IN THE HEIGHTS,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release.
(Left Center-Right Center) ANTHONY RAMOS as Usnavi and MELISSA BARRERA as Vanessa in Warner Bros. Pictures’ “IN THE HEIGHTS,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release. (Macall Polay)

Chu directed the film from a screenplay by Quiara Alegría Hudes, based on the musical stage play, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, book by Quiara Alegría Hudes and concept by Miranda. Miranda, Hudes, Scott Sanders, Anthony Bregman and Mara Jacobs produced the film, with David Nicksay and Kevin McCormick serving as executive producers. 

Warner Bros. Pictures trailer launch event for IN THE HEIGHTS, 809 Restaurant & Lounge, WASHINGTON HEIGHTS, NY, USA- 11 Dec 2019

Behind the camera, Chu reunited with his “Crazy Rich Asians” production designer, Nelson Coates, and editor, Myron Kerstein. He also collaborated with director of photography Alice Brooks (TV’s “The Walking Dead”) and costume designer Mitchell Travers (“Eighth Grade”). Original songs by Miranda. Alex Lacamoire (“Fosse/Verdon”) and Bill Sherman (“Sesame Street”) served as executive music producers. The choreography is by Christopher Scott, who previously teamed with Chu on the award-winning “The Legion of Extraordinary Dancers.” 

In The Heights Key art

“In the Heights” was filmed in New York, primarily on location in the dynamic community of Washington Heights. 

Warner Bros. Pictures presents a 5000 Broadway / Barrio Grrrl! / Likely Story / SGS Pictures Production, A Jon M. Chu Film, “In the Heights.” Slated to open on June 18, 2021 in theaters and on HBO Max, the film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures. It will be available on HBO Max for 31 days from theatrical release. 

“In the Heights” is rated PG-13 for some language and suggestive references 


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Julie Nguyen
Julie Nguyen
Julie is the visionary founder of SNAP TASTE and a dynamic force in global storytelling, innovation and creative leadership. She is a respected member of the Harvard Business Review Advisory Council and serves as a judge for the CES Innovation Awards (2024, 2025 and 2026), where she contributes thought leadership on the intersections of business, culture and breakthrough technologies. As Managing Director, she also oversees the Fine Art, Digital Art, Portfolios and Marketing departments, ensuring the brand’s strategic vision and creative direction are realized across disciplines. Her immersive reporting has brought audiences behind the scenes of global milestones such as the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, Expo 2020 Dubai, CES, D23 Expo, and the Milano Monza Motor Show, offering exclusive access to moments that define contemporary culture. An accomplished film critic and editorial voice, Julie is also recognized for her compelling reviews of National Geographic documentaries and other cinematic works. Her ability to combine analytical depth with narrative finesse inspires audiences seeking intelligent, meaningful, and globally relevant content. With a multidisciplinary perspective that bridges art, technology, and culture, Julie continues to shape the dialogue on how storytelling and innovation converge to influence the way we experience the world.
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