Superstar singer Adele is preparing to step into the world of acting, with confirmed reports that she will make her feature-film debut in the upcoming drama Cry to Heaven, directed by acclaimed filmmaker and designer Tom Ford. Production is expected to begin in January 2026, with a targeted release in late fall of the same year.
The film, based on the 1982 novel by Anne Rice and set in 18th-century Italy, tells the story of two men of vastly different backgrounds navigating the world of opera—the aristocratic Venetian and the castrated peasant maestro. The narrative promises to explore themes of music, identity and power in a richly-detailed period setting.
Adele joins a formidable ensemble cast that includes Nicholas Hoult, Aaron Taylor‑Johnson, Colin Firth, Paul Bettany, Mark Strong, Hunter Schafer and other celebrated actors. While her exact role has not been disclosed, her inclusion signals a major expansion of her creative profile beyond music.
Tom Ford, writing, directing and producing the film himself through his production company, framed the project as a bold plunge into cinematic ambition. “Music is everywhere… it was time to explore the power of story through song and image,” he said in a recent interview.
For Adele, the decision marks a departure from her music-focused life since concluding her Las Vegas residency in November 2024 and then announcing an indefinite break from recording. The move into acting adds a new chapter to her career and reflects a broader trend of musicians transitioning into film.
Industry analysts say this pivot could open fresh opportunities for Adele while amplifying the buzz around the film. They note the high-profile cast, the prestige of Ford’s brand and the adaptation’s art-house appeal all combine to make this a standout moment in her career—and in contemporary cinema.
As the project moves into pre-production, all eyes will be on how Adele adapts to acting and how the layered story of Cry to Heaven is translated to screen. Filming is expected to take place in both London and Rome, with a late 2026 release slot under consideration.
In the weeks ahead, further announcements regarding her character, the supporting cast and the film’s soundtrack—which is expected to leverage Adele’s vocal talents—are likely. For now, fans and industry watchers alike await one of music’s most anticipated screen debuts.
