Disney+ announces film adaptation of 'Once On This Island'

The musical was revived on Broadway in 2017 and won the Tony Award for Best Revival.

Disney+ has announced its plans to adapt Once on This Island into a musical film. Playwright Jocelyn Bioh will adapt the story for the screen, and the film will be directed by Wanuri Kahiu (From a Whisper) and produced by Mark Platt (Wicked). A release date for the new film is to be confirmed. 

The musical, with book and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and music by Stephen Flaherty, depicts the story of an impoverished young girl from the French Antillies who falls in love with a wealthy young man and uses the power of love to bring different communities together. 

The musical originated off Broadway in 1990 and made its West End debut in 1995, winning the Olivier Award for Best New Musical. The show recently was revived on Broadway in 2017, which went on to win the Tony Award for Best Musical Revival.