‘Merrily We Roll Along’ Broadway Film With Daniel Radcliffe and Jonathan Groff Sells to Sony Pictures Classics

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The film adaptation of the Tony Award-winning Broadway play “Merrily We Roll Along,” featuring Daniel Radcliffe, Jonathan Groff, and Lindsay Mendez in the lead roles, will be released by Sony Pictures Classics.

SPC, which acquired worldwide rights to the movie, hasn’t announced theatrical release plans.

The revamped version of Stephen Sondheim and George Furth’s musical was both critically acclaimed and financially successful, recovering its initial $12 million investment while earning multiple Tonys, including the categories for best musical revival and individual performances by Groff and Radcliffe. This stands in stark contrast to the response of the 1981 original production, a notorious failure that was universally panned and closed prematurely after just 16 performances and 44 previews.

Over several decades, the musical “Merrily We Roll Along” unfolds in reverse order, chronicling the friendship among three lifelong companions: composer Franklin Shepard (Groff), writer Mary Flynn (Mendez), and playwright Charley Kringas (Radcliffe). Famous Sondheim songs such as “Old Friends” and “Franklin Shepard Inc.” are included. Maria Friedman, who was acclaimed for her ability to skillfully untangle the complex narrative of the stage production, also directed the movie adaptation.

Sony Pictures Classics offers the ideal setting for our movie. From the outset, they shared our sentiment that ‘Merrily We Roll Along’ is fundamentally about friendship – its evolution, endurance, and impact on personal growth. As Friedman stated, this isn’t merely a film adaptation of a stage play; it’s a more intimate portrayal.

As a film enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that “Merrily We Roll Along” has found its way onto Broadway alongside other beloved productions like “Hamilton,” “Come From Away,” and “Waitress.” These timeless pieces are now available for streaming on platforms such as Disney+, Apple TV+, and Bleecker Street.

In an exciting turn of events, a cinematic adaptation of “Merrily We Roll Along” is under development! Renowned director Richard Linklater is at the helm, with Paul Mescal cast as Franklin Shepard, Ben Platt as Charley Kringas, and Beanie Feldstein bringing Mary Flynn to life on the big screen. I can hardly wait to see this classic musical come to life in a new way!

‘Merrily We Roll Along’ stands out as something entirely unique,” Sony Pictures Classics stated. “Maria Friedman skillfully edits and directs, transitioning seamlessly from intimate close-ups to expansive panoramas. Her work not only showcases her impressive filmmaking abilities but also ensures the iconic performances of Jonathan Groff, Daniel Radcliffe, and Lindsay Mendez are preserved – and enhances their impact for viewers, delivering an unparalleled goosebump-inducing experience.

2021 saw the passing of Stephen Sondheim, a renowned composer and lyricist known for hits like “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” “Company,” “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street,” “Sunday in the Park With George” and “Into the Woods.” Despite his death, his trust played a role in the production of the filmed adaptation of “Merrily.

“Steve’s passion for film history would undoubtedly leap with joy, as Sony Pictures Classics, known for nurturing numerous independent films directed by visionaries, is joining us to share the ‘Merrily We Roll Along’ production worldwide,” Rick Pappas from the Stephen Sondheim Trust expressed in a statement. “The achievement of Maria’s film is significantly tied to her long-standing relationship and creative endeavors with Steve on numerous productions, most notably playing Mary in a 1992 version of ‘Merrily’, which Sondheim and Furth reworked around her, paving the way for her stage directing debut of this revival in London alongside him in 2012.”

The agreement was worked out among Metzger Iwashina Media, represented by Danny Passman from Gang, Tyre, Ramer, Brown & Passman (on behalf of the producers), and Sony Pictures Classics.

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2025-04-01 19:16