Director Tom Ford is set to adapt Anne Rice’s 1982 novel “Cry to Heaven,” which will mark the film debut of pop superstar Adele, according to Deadline. Currently in pre-production in London and Rome, the movie is scheduled to begin principal photography this month and is anticipated for release in late 2026.
“Cry to Heaven” is set in 18th century Italy and tells the poignant story of a Venetian noble and a castrated opera singer whose fates become unexpectedly entwined. Anne Rice’s rich literary body has seen many of her works translated to the screen, including titles like “Interview With the Vampire,” “Mayfair Witches,” and “Talamasca: The Secret Order.”
While Adele’s specific character remains undisclosed, the film boasts an impressive ensemble cast that includes Nicholas Hoult, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Ciarán Hinds, George MacKay, Mark Strong, Colin Firth, Paul Bettany, and Owen Cooper, alongside newcomers like Hunter Schafer and Thandiwe Newton.
Tom Ford, renowned for his previous role as creative director for luxury brands such as Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent, has received acclaim for his directorial work in films like “A Single Man,” which was nominated for an Academy Award in 2009, and “Nocturnal Animals,” which won the Grand Jury Prize at Venice Film Festival in 2016 and garnered significant awards recognition, including an Oscar nod for Michael Shannon.
As Ford returns to film, this project not only highlights a promising partnership among a talented cast but also underscores a renewed interest in adapting Anne Rice’s evocative narratives for contemporary audiences. This adaptation presents an exciting opportunity to bring a captivating story to life, and with a star-studded cast, the film is poised to attract both fans of the novel and new viewers alike.