Stephen Sondheim's beloved musical, Merrily We Roll Along, has recently gained renewed accessibility, most notably through a Tony Award-winning Broadway production starring Daniel Radcliffe and Jonathan Groff, which was later released theatrically. This filmed version provided a close approximation to the live theatrical experience, yet another ambitious cinematic adaptation is underway, spearheaded by acclaimed director Richard Linklater, with a projected completion date of 2040.

Linklater's unique approach to Merrily We Roll Along is necessitated by the musical's distinctive narrative structure, which unfolds in reverse chronological order over 20 years, exploring the evolving relationships between composer Franklin Shepard and his friends. Unlike a traditional stage production where aging characters would be difficult to portray, Linklater plans to shoot the film backwards over two decades, allowing the actors to age naturally into their roles. He has already filmed the final scene with the actors at their youngest and will capture the earlier moments closer to the film's intended release.

The film boasts a stellar cast, including Ben Platt as Charley Kringas, Beanie Feldstein as Mary Flynn, and Paul Mescal taking on the role of Franklin Shepard, replacing Blake Jenner who was fired due to misconduct allegations. Lin-Manuel Miranda is also part of the ensemble in an undisclosed role. The production, which commenced in 2019, faced brief pauses due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the SAG-AFTRA strikes but has continued with annual filming sessions. Universal Pictures and Jason Blum of Blumhouse are attached as producers, providing the necessary financial backing for this monumental project.

Linklater's long-form filmmaking strategy is not unprecedented, as demonstrated by his critically acclaimed coming-of-age film, Boyhood, which chronicled a Texan boy's growth over 12 years. However, Merrily We Roll Along presents distinct challenges; unlike the adaptable script of Boyhood, this musical has a fixed, unalterable narrative. This necessitates a stable cast commitment from the outset, highlighting the importance of Mescal's replacement of Jenner early in the production.

With Linklater set to be 80 years old by the time of its release, this adaptation promises to be an unprecedented cinematic achievement. Linklater's recent works, such as the biopics Blue Moon and Nouvelle Vague, underscore his continuous artistic evolution and willingness to make bold creative decisions, making him an ideal filmmaker for a story deeply rooted in ambition, clout, and integrity. The caliber of the cast, including Tony-winner Ben Platt, acclaimed Broadway performer Beanie Feldstein, and talented young actor Paul Mescal, further strengthens the project's potential to become the definitive cinematic version of Sondheim's masterpiece.