'Dear Evan Hansen' Movie: Update

Ben Platt offers update on when Stephen Chobsky's adaption of the hit Broadway musical will actually start filming 

Ben Platt in 'Dear Evan Hansen' (CREDIT: Theo Wargo/Getty Images) 

by Jack Linsdell

I know I'm very late on this one, but Ben Platt recently revealed some crucial details about Stephen Chobsky's Dear Evan Hansen movie adaption. On 18th June 2020, Platt confirmed that he will indeed reprise his Tony Award-winning role as Evan Hansen in the upcoming film, although only if the Coronavirus pandemic allows it to be filmed in a "timely manner". What this actually means is anyone's guess, but considering film production is back underway with blockbusters like Jurassic World: Dominion, with many other movies aiming for shooting dates in the fall, it could be possible that the musical flick could get underway sooner than later. 

If, for pandemic-related reasons, Dear Evan Hansen doesn't get filming within a "timely manner" then the absence of Platt will harm the commercial viability and whole sell of the movie. Look, as the original star of the initial hit Broadway production, Platt IS Evan Hansen and the absence of him in the first big screen adaption of the popular and raved about musical would be a big disappointment. I know that other actors have taken over the lead role from Platt in alternate productions as the show toured the world. And, I know those actors earned critical praise for their performances too. And, I get that the new film will have a new cast anyway. But, "the first movie adaption of Dear Evan Hansen starring Ben Platt" is a far better sell to both existing fans and general audiences (who at least have some awareness of the Broadway show) than "just another Hollywood adaption of a popular musical". Also, if Platt reprises his role for the movie, it'll give the musical flick loads of free "buzz" akin to when the original show first opened. Look, this is not like Lin-Manuel Miranda's recent Hamilton movie for Disney Plus. That was a filmed version of a live Broadway show from several years ago. Chobsky's Dear Evan Hansen is a feature film adaption of the show to be shot on location with new actors. 

Anyway, I'm most excited about this project, if only because Dear Evan Hansen is probably the best Broadway musical ever (sorry Hamilton) and I've still guttingly yet to see it. I'm hoping when it opens again next year in London (performances have been suspended currently for obvious reasons) I'll get to put that right. But, either way, the Broadway show features one of the best musical soundtracks ever written, to the point you know most of the story just by listening to the poignant and catchy songs. But, the movie itself has a lot of it's own draws too. 

First, it's directed by Stephen Chobsky, whose 2017 super smash Wonder (which earned an insane $305 million on a $20 million budget) was one of the best character dramas I've ever seen. He's also made the excellent indie hit The Perks of Being a Wallflower based on his own book, and the two combined make a fascinating double feature of how to tell human and fulfilling stories about characters who are never seen as being "good" or "bad" people. Veteran musical producer (Mary Poppins Returns, Aladdin) Marc Platt (Ben Platt's dad funnily enough) is producing the movie and one of 2019's best rising stars, actress Katelyn Dever, is rumoured to star in it. As a big fan of her work in Booksmart and Unbelievable, I'm most excited and intrigued to see her in this, and with her newfound success and fame, she'll be a big draw to the project. Benj Pasek and Justin Paul who wrote the original show's songs, are returning as executive producers (alongside the show's book writer Steven Levenson, who also penned the movie's script) and will be even bigger "draws" after their popular and acclaimed work on La La Land, The Greatest Showman and Aladdin. 

Dear Evan Hansen is a sublime musical story in it's own right, with masterful and catchy songs that will most definitely translate well to the big screen. And, if Platt returns (providing it can start production swiftly) being the first movie adaption of a hit Broadway show, featuring it's initial leading star will make it even more of a hit with audiences. However, the involvement of Chobsky, Dever and Pasek & Paul (who are a greater draw after their recent movie musical successes) gives Dear Evan Hansen a validation of quality, one that you know your going to be seeing something exceptional. That applies to both existing fans of the show (who know their beloved musical is in good hands) and those who have never seen (but may have heard of) it before. 

If Platt's update tells us anything, it's that the sooner the cameras start rolling, the sooner we will be found.