Adele, the Grammy-winning singer, is set to make her acting debut in Tom Ford’s upcoming film adaptation of Anne Rice’s novel ‘Cry to Heaven’. The project, which boasts a star-studded cast, signals a new creative direction for the artist who has been on hiatus from music.
In a major career move, Adele will transition from the music stage to the silver screen with her first acting role in Tom Ford’s ‘Cry to Heaven’. The announcement, confirmed by multiple sources including BBC News and Variety, has generated excitement among fans and industry insiders alike. This marks a significant shift for the artist, known for her powerful vocals and emotional ballads, as she explores new artistic avenues beyond her music career.
The film is an adaptation of Anne Rice’s 1982 historical novel, set in 18th century Italy and centered on the world of castrati—male singers who were castrated to preserve their high voices. It follows the intertwined lives of two characters who become successful opera singers in Venice, exploring themes of identity, art, and sacrifice. The novel’s rich narrative provides a fertile ground for Ford’s directorial vision, promising a blend of historical drama and personal intrigue that aligns with his signature style.
Adele joins an ensemble cast that includes Nicholas Hoult, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Colin Firth, Paul Bettany, and emerging talent Owen Cooper, among others like Ciarán Hinds, George MacKay, and Hunter Schafer. While specific roles have not been disclosed, the gathering of such high-profile actors underscores the project’s ambition and Ford’s drawing power in Hollywood. Many of these actors have previous collaborations with Ford, adding to the film’s cohesive potential and ensuring a strong on-screen dynamic.
Currently in pre-production in London and Rome, principal photography for ‘Cry to Heaven’ is scheduled to begin in January 2026, with an expected release in the fall of that year. Tom Ford, who is self-financing the film, plans to seek distribution partners after production is complete, as first reported by Deadline. This approach allows Ford creative control, similar to his previous films, which were both critical successes, and could influence independent filmmaking trends.
This marks Ford’s third directorial effort, following the critically acclaimed ‘A Single Man’ in 2009 and ‘Nocturnal Animals’ in 2016. After selling his eponymous fashion brand to Estée Lauder for $2.8 billion in 2022, Ford has expressed his intention to focus solely on filmmaking for the next two decades, bringing his signature aesthetic—known for its elegance and visual sophistication—to this new project. His return to film after nearly a decade is highly anticipated by cinephiles and could redefine his legacy.
Adele’s foray into acting comes after she concluded her Las Vegas residency in November 2024 and announced plans to take a ‘big break’ from music. In interviews, she hinted at exploring other creative avenues, stating she wanted to “do other creative things just for a little while.” This film debut aligns with that vision, offering her a chance to challenge herself in a new medium while maintaining her artistic integrity and potentially inspiring other musicians to cross into acting.
The collaboration between Adele and Ford blends music and fashion sensibilities, potentially attracting diverse audiences. As Adele ventures into acting, it could open doors for other musicians seeking cross-disciplinary opportunities, while Ford’s interpretation of Rice’s novel may resonate with fans of historical fiction. With production set to start soon, ‘Cry to Heaven’ promises to be a visually stunning and narratively rich film, marking an exciting chapter for both artist and director and setting the stage for future projects.
