The Tony Award nominations were announced Tuesday and, as expected, Hamilton dominated—raking in sixteen nominations, beating The Producers‘ 2001 record of fifteen.
Given that success, the rumblings of a film adaptation are likely to pick up steam quickly. Hamilton is well-suited for the screen, bringing Broadway’s hottest ticket to the masses who are doubtless dying to know what all the fuss is about. But who in Hollywood is best suited to make sure the live show’s magic stays? We put our heads together and came up with some suggestions.
Hamilton: Lin-Manuel Miranda
Hey, sometimes you get things right the first time. Lin-Manuel Miranda has seen his baby go from dream to Oscar winner to Tony dominator. Hamilton wouldn’t feel right without him in it.
Aaron Burr: John Boyega
Of all the stars that burst onto the scene in The Force Awakens, Boyega seems the most cut out for musical theater. His wonderful expressiveness and permanently hyped delivery would be an interesting interpretation of Burr’s calculated shrewdness.
Angelica: Kerry Washington
This is an easy one. Washington is one of the greats right now, with the regal bearing that Angelica requires. Anybody besides Washington in this role would be a loss.
Eliza: Gina Rodriguez
The fact that Gina Rodriguez hasn’t been cast in more roles since her magnetic, spirited turn on Jane the Virgin is a crime, and it’s a crime Hamilton can correct.
King George: Jack Black
If you need comedic relief in a musical, you could not hope to do better than Jack Black, who excels at million watt energy and a surprisingly sophisticated musical craft. This is the easiest casting in the entire movie.
George Washington: Oscar Isaac
What do you expect Hamilton to do? Not cast the most up-and-comingest up-and-coming actor in Hollywood in their movie? Do you even know how movies work?
Peggy: Zoe Kravitz
Full disclosure: Peggy does not have a lot to do in Hamilton, which is exactly why Zoe Kravtiz should have the part. If anyone can add some energy and excitement to her limited amount of screentime, it’s Kravtiz.
Maria: Dascha Polanco
Maria, the vixen of Hamilton‘s world, would benefit greatly from a performer who could inject some authenticity and vulnerability into her sensuality. Polanco’s star-making turn in Orange Is the New Black is proof positive that she could do just that.
Marquis de Lafayette: Idris Elba
For too long, Elba has been noted for his acting chops, his fashion swerves and his impeccable genes. But for too long, his musical gifts have lain un-recognized by the masses. No longer.
Madison: Michael Peña
Michael Peña is one of our most underrated actors—a man often reduced to bit roles and side gigs when he should be a leading man. Being in a movie the size of Hamilton would get him in the spotlight he’s deserved for years.
Laurens: Michael B. Jordan
Admittedly, Laurens is a pretty small role—perhaps too small for a star of MBJ’s magnitude, but then again, maybe that’s just what this role needs. Laurens delivers some emotional beats much larger than his brief time onstage would suggest, and Jordan is perfect for doing a lot with a little.
Phillip: Tony Revolori
Revolori’s been slowly building his name as a dependable young actor—first in Wes Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel and then in Dope. Both were demanding roles. Both benefited greatly from Revolori’s presence. Why would Hamilton be any different?
Mulligan: O’Shea Jackson Jr.
Most of Straight Outta Compton‘s young cast came ready to work, but one of the biggest surprises was the least likely. O’Shea Jackson definitely got cast as Ice Cube on account of being Cube’s actual son, but he would have been perfect for the part even if the DNA wasn’t there. Jackson can really act, and his career deserves to go far beyond just pretending to be his dad.