Lin-Manuel Miranda Seeks Latinx Extras for the New ‘In the Heights’ Movie

We’ve been hyped about the In The Heights movie ever since we heard about it last year. The Lin-Manuel Miranda-produced film is a huge deal — did you not hear about the $50 million bidding war over the rights? Yeah, it was a highly sought project, and now that the starring cast is set, the film that begins productions fairly soon still needs one thing and that’s you!

Miranda is looking for Latino and Latinas to be cast as extras in the film. The playwright and producer of the new movie was honored last night at the  Union Palace Theater in Washinton Heights in New York City. Miranda was praised for staying true to the roots of his play by filming on location in Washinton Heights. Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians) will direct the movie.

“I’m biased about being in this neighborhood my first Broadway show is all about how much I love it and the main character staying in the neighborhood,” Miranda told Pix 11. “I have stayed in this neighborhood with my family.” He also adds that the movie will also remain true to his original play. “Everything that we wrote in 2008, the issues the Heights tackle, gentrification, immigration, they could not be more relevant in 2019. I just think time has caught up with the piece and I can’t wait to make it,” Miranda said.

Okay, now on to the critical details. This is how you can have a chance to be in the movie:

On Saturday, June 1. Grant Wilfley Casting agency will be holding auditions at 269 Wadsworth Ave between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. They are specifically looking for Latinx actors, and non-Screen Actors Guild members are allowed to take part in the call, AM NY reports.

“Grant Wilfley Casting also listed openings for extras for specific scenes including ‘Latinos in bathing suits at the pool,’ ‘Latino club goers dancing salsa,’ ‘Latino and African American basketball players,’ and ‘Latino and African American soccer players.'”

Chu also tweeted out the casting call.

The starring cast includes Stephanie Beatriz as Carla, Melissa Barrera as Vanessa, Jimmy Smits as Kevin Rosario, Corey Hawkins as Benny, Dascha Polanco as Cuca, and Anthony Ramos as Usnavi de la Vega.

The plot of the movie centers around Usnavi, a bodega owner from the Dominic Republic. Usnavi must figure out if his store is worth closing after he inherits money and moves back to his native homeland. But just because you strike it rich doesn’t mean you leave those you love behind.

Will you head out to the casting call? Let us know!

#intheheightsmovie read through this morning.
It’s cool I only cried 7 times.
You? YA DEAD. pic.twitter.com/hEAELY2CfO

— Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) May 23, 2019