Vulture has learned from a source with knowledge of the deal that Brooklyn Nine-Nine’s Stephanie Beatriz will join the much-anticipated screen adaptation of In the Heights, and she will be playing the role of Carla. Heights is helmed by the power duo of director Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians) and producer Lin-Manuel Miranda, who created the Broadway show on which the movie is based. Beatriz joins a cast that will be led by Hamilton’s Anthony Ramos in the role of bodega owner Usnavi, and includes Melissa Barrera as Vanessa, Corey Hawkins as Benny, and Leslie Grace as Nina Rosario.
Per our source, other actors in talks for key parts are Olga Merediz, who would reprise her Broadway role as “Abuela†Claudia; Rhenzy Feliz, who is circling the role of Usnavi’s cousin, Sonny; and Daphne Rubin-Vega, who is being eyed for the character of Daniela, the salon owner and Carla’s close friend.