Who We Want to See in the Inevitable Hamilton Movie

By Nancy Einhart
Getty | Kevin Mazur
Getty | Kevin Mazur

First things first: there has not been an announcement about a Hamilton movie — yet. But a movie based on the wildly popular Broadway musical is pretty much inevitable, and I'm already dream casting the film in my head.

As the critical success of La La Land attests, audiences will pay good money to see a movie musical. The Weinstein Company is already working on a movie version of In the Heights, the 2008 Tony Award-wining musical from creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, and with a national tour exposing more fans to Hamilton, it's only a matter of time before we hear news of a movie.

As anyone who has seen the hip-hop musical on Broadway can attest, Hamilton deserves every ounce of hype that's been heaped upon it. The music is insanely catchy, and the casting is pure genius. On Broadway, the roles of Alexander Hamilton, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and other white historical figures are played by black and Latinx actors, which is completely intentional, according to Miranda. He told the New York Times, "Our cast looks like America looks now. It's a way of pulling you into the story and allowing you to leave whatever cultural baggage you have about the founding fathers at the door." The more you listen to the soundtrack, the more you forget that the story is actually about a bunch of white guys, which is precisely the point.

In casting the movie, we'd stay true to Miranda's vision and cast actors of color in the key roles, and with so many musicians crossing over into film and TV, we have a huge pool of talent to chose from. Here's our wish list of who would play who in the Hamilton movie.

Lin-Manuel Miranda as Alexander Hamilton
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Lin-Manuel Miranda as Alexander Hamilton

Hamilton creator Miranda took his final bow on Broadway in July 2016, but we think he could be convinced to reprise the role of Alexander Hamilton for a movie, especially if it means getting one step closer to his EGOT.

Standout songs: "My Shot" and "Hurricane"

Donald Glover as Aaron Burr
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Donald Glover as Aaron Burr

Though Hamilton is the title role, the part of Aaron Burr is arguably a bigger job. Plus, it requires a unique combination of talents, all of which Glover possesses: the ability to sing, rap, act, and be charming.

Standout song: "Wait For It"

John Legend as George Washington
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John Legend as George Washington

The third biggest male role in Hamilton belongs to George Washington, a sort of father figure to Hamilton. This part also has some serious solos that we know Legend would easily own. Plus, he sang the Washington lead on "History Has Its Eyes on You" for The Hamilton Mixtape.

Standout song: "History Has Its Eyes on You"

Beyoncé as Eliza Schuyler
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Beyoncé as Eliza Schuyler

The moment we heard the first few verses of "Helpless," we could see Beyoncé singing this part. Beyoncé has already ventured into film roles with movies like Dreamgirls, and we could see her shining in this part. If Beyoncé wasn't interested, we'd cast Kelly Clarkson, who is also featured on The Hamilton Mixtape.

Standout song: "Helpless"

Solange Knowles as Angelica Schuyler
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Solange Knowles as Angelica Schuyler

To play the role of Eliza Schuyler's sister, Angelica, why not get Beyoncé's actual sister, Solange? Angelica introduces her sister to Alexander but continues to covet him herself. Better yet, Angelica's songs would fit Solange's vocal style. Alicia Keys would also be an excellent choice for this part.

Standout song: "Satisfied"

Justin Timberlake as Marquis de Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson
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Justin Timberlake as Marquis de Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson

In the stage production, the roles of Lafayette and Jefferson are played by the same actor. Both Lafayette (a swarthy French buddy of Hamilton) and founding father Jefferson are sassy and fun parts, and we can see Justin Timberlake having a great time playing one or both.

Standout song: "What'd I Miss"

Drake as Hercules Mulligan and James Madison
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Drake as Hercules Mulligan and James Madison

Another dual role that includes Hamilton's buddy Mulligan and future founding father Madison, this part requires serious rap chops. Though he'd only be featured on ensemble songs, we think Drake's voice would be perfect for the role, so maybe we can convince him to make another post-Degrassi acting appearance.

Standout songs: The ensemble pieces "Aaron Burr, Sir" and "My Shot"

Lady Gaga as Peggy Schuyler and Maria Reynolds
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Lady Gaga as Peggy Schuyler and Maria Reynolds

The role of the third Schuyler is a small one, but in the stage production, the same actress also plays Maria Reynolds, a woman who has an affair with Hamilton. The role of Reynolds requires a strong set of pipes, and we'd love to see Lady Gaga in the film version. Another great option would be Janelle Monáe.

Standout song: "Say No to This"

Chance the Rapper as Philip Hamilton and John Laurens
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Chance the Rapper as Philip Hamilton and John Laurens

The role of Alexander Hamilton's eldest son doesn't have a lot of screen time, but he does have one show-stopping song and some playful hip-hop parts that we could see Chance excelling at. In the stage performance, the actor who plays Philip also plays John Laurens, another friend in Hamilton's posse.

Standout song: "Blow Us All Away"

Sacha Baron Cohen as King George
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Sacha Baron Cohen as King George

The role of King George, ruling the colonies from afar, provides most of the comic relief in Hamilton, and we think Brit Sacha Baron Cohen would be ideal for the role. (Former SNL cast member Taran Killam is currently playing King George on Broadway.) Another option would be James Corden, who has the requisite combined passions for humor and singing.

Standout song: "You'll Be Back"