Jon M. Chu in Talks to Direct Lin-Manuel Miranda's 'In the Heights' Movie

Jon M. Chu (Photo: Joel Ryan/Invision/AP)

By Tatiana Siegel and Borys Kit, The Hollywood Reporter

Jon M. Chu is stepping up to direct the film adaptation of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s In the Heights for The Weinstein Co.

The G.I. Joe: Retaliation helmer is in talks to tackle the bodega-set project, which is based on the Tony Award-winning musical that put Miranda on the map before he became a household name with Hamilton.

Related: Lin-Manuel Miranda’s ‘In the Heights’ Gets New Life at The Weinstein Co.

The Weinstein Co. is moving fast to get the film off the ground after recently setting it up at the company. Miranda, who is producing, has met with Chu recently to discuss the adaptation that is set in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan and centers on a bodega owner who has mixed feelings about closing his store and retiring to the Dominican Republic after inheriting his grandmother’s fortune. Miranda, who starred in the stage version in his twenties, hasn’t decided yet whether he will lead the cast of the film or opt for a younger actor.

Chu is no stranger to the dance film genre, having launched his feature helming career with Step Up 2: The Streets and following that up with Step Up 3D and the concert movie Justin Bieber: Never Say Never.

Related: Why 4 of Broadway’s Best Shows Haven’t Been Turned Into Movies Yet

In the Heights was initially set up at Universal, and after years in development, the studio opted not to make it and cut the project loose in 2011, balking at the Kenny Ortega-helmed film’s $37 million budget — a move that was met with surprise considering the success of the stage version. The musical was nominated for 13 Tonys and won four, including the top prize. After that experience, Miranda decided to make a scrappier version (The Weinstein Co. plans to make the movie for about $15 million).

Scott Sanders also is producing alongside Mara Jacobs. Quiara Alegria Hudes wrote the current screenplay, while Marc Klein penned an earlier draft.

Related: Critic’s Picks: 5 Must-See Musicals (That Are Not 'Hamilton’)

Chu most recently directed Now You See Me 2, which Lionsgate releases today. He is also attached to helm Crazy Rich Asians for producer Nina Jacobson.

He is repped by WME, Principato-Young, and attorney Allison Binder.

Watch Lin-Manuel Miranda doing ‘Carpool Karaoke’ Broadway-style with James Corden: