A new film version of the classic musical Fiddler on the Roof is in the works with Hamilton director Thomas Kail set to direct!
The original Broadway production of Fiddler opened back in 1964 and won nine Tony Awards. The first film version was released in 1971 and it was nominated for eight Oscars, winning three of them.
Steven Levenson, the Tony-winning book writer of Dear Evan Hansen, will write the screenplay for the film. Dan Jinks, the Oscar-winning producer of American Beauty and Milk, and Aaron Harnick, the nephew of Fiddler‘s lyricist Sheldon Harnick, are set to produce for MGM.
Kail said in a statement to Deadline, “It has been a life-long dream of mine to direct Fiddler, though I always imagined I would do it on stage. I am over-joyed 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.”
Jinks added, “I first saw Fiddler On The Roof onstage when I was 13 years old. I remember finding it hilarious funny, but also incredibly moving. It’s that rare musical that speaks to audiences of all ages. I’m thrilled that Mike DeLuca and MGM are giving the brilliant Tommy Kail, Steven Levenson, Aaron Harnick and me the opportunity to bring this amazing piece to a new generation of audiences.”