In a major career move, global music phenomenon Adele is officially stepping onto the silver screen for the first time. The multi-award-winning singer will make her highly anticipated acting debut in the forthcoming film by acclaimed designer and director Tom Ford.
The Star-Studded Cast and Production
According to industry reports from Deadline, Ford's third feature film will be an adaptation of Anne Rice's 1982 novel 'Cry to Heaven'. The project boasts an impressive ensemble cast. Adele will share the screen with a host of British and international talent, including Nicholas Hoult, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Colin Firth, Thandiwe Newton, and Mark Strong. The line-up is further strengthened by Ciaran Hinds, Paul Bettany, Hunter Schafer, Daryl McCormack, and George MacKay.
A significant newcomer joining them is Owen Cooper, the 15-year-old breakout star from the Netflix drama Adolescence. Cooper made history as one of the youngest ever winners of a primetime Emmy award for his role and is also set to appear in Emerald Fennell's adaptation of Wuthering Heights.
An Operatic Drama Set in 18th Century Italy
The film's narrative is a dramatic and lavish tale set in 18th century Italy. The story of Cry to Heaven follows two unlikely collaborators striving for success in the competitive world of opera: a Venetian nobleman and a castrated maestro from Calabria.
The source material has been praised for its intensity and opulence. The New York Times Book Review described it as "bold and erotic, laced with luxury, sexual tension, music", while The Washington Post called it an "absorbing look at a fascinating and little-known world".
Tom Ford's Return to Filmmaking
This film marks a significant return to directing for Tom Ford, following his critically acclaimed works: the Oscar-nominated A Single Man and the thriller Nocturnal Animals. In a 2023 interview with GQ, Ford expressed his deep passion for filmmaking, stating it was "the most fun I've ever had in my entire life".
He revealed a decisive shift in his career focus, saying, "I'm 62. Hopefully, I'll remain somewhat together until 82. So I wanna spend the next 20 years of my life making films. And the clock is ticking. And so it was time to say goodbye to fashion. Fashion is a younger man's game."
Cry to Heaven is currently in pre-production in both London and Rome. The main shoot is scheduled to commence in January 2025, with a theatrical release expected in 2026.
This is not the first time Adele has been linked to an acting role. She was previously rumoured to appear in Xavier Dolan's The Death and Life of John F. Donovan, the director of her Hello music video. Although she expressed interest at the time, she ultimately did not appear in the film, which received largely negative reviews.
Adele's move into acting follows her announcement of an indefinite break from music, made after a string of sell-out shows in Munich last year. The film also continues a trend of Anne Rice adaptations, following recent series like Interview with the Vampire and Mayfair Witches.
