Hamilton Movie Hits Theaters Nationwide, Creator Surprises Audiences

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s hit Broadway musical “Hamilton” opened in theaters across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico today, marking the first theatrical release of the filmed version featuring the original cast.

The theatrical debut comes exactly 10 years after “Hamilton” premiered on Broadway at the Richard Rodgers Theatre, where it has continued to play to sold-out crowds. Disney had originally planned a theatrical release for October 2021, but the pandemic forced the company to debut the film on Disney+ in July 2020 instead.

“We always wanted to release it theatrically,” Miranda told host Jimmy Fallon on “The Tonight Show” when he announced the release date. “But then the pandemic hit, and so we decided to release it on streaming so that everyone could see it at home whenever they wanted”. The move to streaming proved successful, with the film earning 12 Emmy nominations and winning two awards, including Outstanding Variety Special.

Special Features and Premiere Events

The theatrical release includes new content not available on Disney+. A special prologue called “Reuniting the Revolution” features fresh interviews with the original cast and creators reflecting on the show’s impact over the past decade. This addition provides audiences with exclusive behind-the-scenes content unavailable to streaming viewers.

To celebrate the release, Disney hosted a star-studded premiere screening on September 3 at the Public Theater’s Delacorte Theater in Central Park, where “Hamilton” first premiered in 2015 before moving to Broadway. The event brought together most of the original cast, including Miranda, Leslie Odom Jr., Phillipa Soo, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Christopher Jackson, and Daveed Diggs.

Miranda has been making surprise appearances at theaters showing the film, recreating viral TikTok trends and addressing audiences directly. During one appearance at an AMC theater in New York, he told moviegoers: “You could have been anywhere in the world right now… and you can watch this at home, but you decided to watch it together and gather in the dark”.

Production and Cast Details

The film was shot during live Broadway performances in June 2016, capturing the energy and intimacy of the stage production. Disney acquired worldwide distribution rights for $75 million in 2020, making it one of the most expensive film rights deals ever for a stage show.

The movie features the complete original Broadway cast, including Miranda as Alexander Hamilton, Leslie Odom Jr. as Aaron Burr, and Phillipa Soo as Eliza Hamilton. The production tells the story of founding father Alexander Hamilton through a revolutionary blend of hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and traditional Broadway music.

International Release Schedule

Following today’s North American debut, “Hamilton” will expand internationally with releases in the UK and Ireland on September 26, and Australia and New Zealand on November 13. The film continues to be available for streaming on Disney+ for viewers who prefer home viewing.

The theatrical release represents the culmination of a year-long celebration of “Hamilton’s” 10th anniversary, which has included special Broadway performances, cast reunions, and various commemorative events throughout 2025.