The filmed version of the acclaimed Broadway musical Hadestown opened in theaters this weekend. Original cast members reunited for the capture at London's Lyric Theatre. The production is expected to earn around $9 million at the U.S. box office.
Director Brett Sullivan captured three live performances over one weekend in front of audiences. Close-up shots were added without audiences to enhance cinematic detail while preserving the stage experience.
Creator Anaïs Mitchell and cast members including Reeve Carney, Eva Noblezada, André De Shields and Patrick Page discussed the process. They noted the close-ups reveal new emotional layers not visible from theater seats.
The original principals returned after years away from their roles. Filming took place during a West End cast changeover following an earlier attempt in 2022 that did not proceed.
Mitchell highlighted the show's resonance with young audiences and its themes of hope and empathy. The adaptation runs for one week in theaters.