In a move that bridges the worlds of high fashion, blockbuster music, and cinematic ambition, Grammy-winning powerhouse Adele is officially slated to make her acting debut in acclaimed director Tom Ford’s upcoming adaptation of Anne Rice’s “Cry to Heaven.”
This announcement confirms a new creative direction for the British singer, who is currently on a planned hiatus from music following the monumental success of her “Weekends with Adele” Las Vegas residency. It seems her declaration of pursuing “other creative things” is coming to fruition in a spectacular way.
A Fordian Production: A Return to Filmmaking
The project marks a significant return to filmmaking for Tom Ford, his first since the critically lauded Nocturnal Animals in 2016. Ford, who redefined Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent before launching his eponymous luxury brand, has a proven track record of crafting visually stunning and emotionally resonant films. His directorial debut, A Single Man (2009), earned an Oscar nomination for its lead, Colin Firth. Nocturnal Animals further cemented his status as a formidable auteur, winning the Grand Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival and securing numerous BAFTA and Oscar nominations.
Diving into the World of “Cry to Heaven”
Anne Rice’s 1982 novel, “Cry to Heaven,” is a sweeping, sensual gothic historical drama set in 18th-century Italy. The story plunges into the clandestine and controversial world of the castrati—young boys castrated before puberty to preserve their sublime, powerful singing voices.
The narrative follows two central characters: Tonio Treschi, a Venetian nobleman who is violently castrated to prevent him from claiming his birthright, and Guido Maffeo, a seasoned castrato maestro who becomes his mentor. Together, they navigate the opulent and cutthroat world of opera, forging a complex bond through shared trauma and a burning desire for artistic triumph and revenge.
A Stellar Cast Joins the Debutante
According to reports from Deadline, Adele will be joining an ensemble of acting heavyweights. The confirmed cast includes:
Colin Firth (reuniting with Ford after A Single Man)
Mark Strong
Aaron Taylor-Johnson
Thandiwe Newton
Ciarán Hinds
George MacKay
Paul Bettany
Nicholas Hoult
The film also introduces Owen Cooper, the breakout star of Netflix’s Adolescence, who recently became the youngest male Emmy winner. While Adele’s specific role remains under wraps, her formidable presence and vocal prowess make her a fascinating fit for a story so deeply entrenched in the power of music and performance.
The Perfect Creative Intersection
For Adele, the role represents a natural, if ambitious, evolution. Her music has always been celebrated for its raw emotional depth and theatricality—qualities that align perfectly with the operatic passions of Cry to Heaven. Stepping into a Tom Ford film ensures she will be framed within a world of exquisite aesthetics and directorial precision, providing an ideal environment for a debutante actor.
The project is currently in pre-production in London and Rome, with principal photography expected to commence in the new year. While fans may be waiting longer for a follow-up to her 2021 album *30*, they can anticipate seeing Adele command the big screen when Cry to Heaven is expected to premiere in theaters in late 2026.
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