A new version of “Fiddler on the Roof” is in the works from “Hamilton” director Thomas Kail and MGM. The remake comes 56 years since the Tony-winning musical’s premiere on Broadway (it won nine of the awards) and 49 years after Norman Jewison’s film version hit theaters, later earning three of the eight Oscars for which it was nominated.
Kail directed the off-Broadway and Broadway productions of “In the Heights” and “Hamilton,” winning the Tony for Best Director. He also directed five episodes of “Fosse/Verdon” and won Emmys for directing and producing the TV musical “Grease Live!” His filmed stage version of “Hamilton” will premiere July 3 on Disney+.
Kail will produce the movie with Dan Jinks and Aaron Harnick (nephew of “Fiddler” lyricist Sheldon Harnick). Steven Levenson (“Dear Evan Hansen”), who collaborated with Kail on “Fosse/Verdon,” will write the screenplay.
“It has been a life-long dream of mine to direct ‘Fiddler,’ though I always imagined I would do it on stage,” Kail told Deadline. “I am overjoyed to have the opportunity to make a new film version of my favorite show with Mike DeLuca at MGM, where so many transcendent musical movies have been made. I’m proud to partner with Dan Jinks, Aaron Harnick and my great pal, Steven Levenson, to honor this work that has profoundly inspired me and millions of others.”
Added Levenson, “Fiddler on the Roof’ was the first piece of theater I saw, at the age of five. Today, more than fifty years after it changed the face of Broadway forever, the story of Tevye and his beloved village of Anatevka feels more timely than ever. I am beyond grateful to Mike DeLuca and MGM, Dan Jinks, and Aaron Harnick for the opportunity to tell this unforgettable story of resilience and hope in the face of hopelessness, and I am delighted to be collaborating again with the inimitable Tommy Kail.”
