Adele to make her acting debut in Tom Ford's next
What's the story
Global singing sensation Adele is all set to make her acting debut in the upcoming film Cry to Heaven, directed by fashion designer turned filmmaker Tom Ford. The movie is an adaptation of Anne Rice's 1982 novel of the same name and will feature a star-studded cast including Nicholas Hoult, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Colin Firth, Paul Bettany, and Owen Cooper.
Film insights
Production set for mid-January
Cry to Heaven is set in the 18th Century world of "castrati," male singing stars who were castrated to preserve their high voices. The story follows two such individuals who become successful opera singers in Venice. Ford will direct, produce, and write the film, with principal photography scheduled for mid-January 2026, reported Deadline. The film is currently in pre-production stages in London and Rome.
Production approach
Ford self-financing the film
Ford, who sold his fashion label to Estee Lauder for $2.83 billion in 2023, is reportedly self-financing the film through his Fade To Black production company. This marks Ford's return to filmmaking after nearly a decade since Nocturnal Animals (2016), which won the Grand Jury prize at the Venice Film Festival and received nine BAFTA nominations and three Golden Globe nominations.
Career transition
Adele announced a break from her music career last year
Adele, one of Britain's most popular music stars, announced a break from her music career last year after her Las Vegas residency. Apart from her several Saturday Night Live gigs, the singer has made very few onscreen appearances, including a cameo on Ugly Betty in the early 2000s. The film is expected to be released in late fall of 2026.