The Musical is a 2026 American comedy film directed by Giselle Bonilla in her feature directorial debut. The screenplay is written by Alexander Heller. The film stars Will Brill, Gillian Jacobs, and Rob Lowe (who also produces the film).
It premiered in the U.S. Dramatic Competition at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival.
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Plot
Doug Leibowitz, a frustrated playwright and middle school theater teacher, discovers that his ex-girlfriend has started dating his nemesis, the school principal. Motivated by spite, Doug decides to ruin the principal's chances of winning the prestigious Blue Ribbon of Academic Excellence by staging an inappropriate and chaotic school musical.
Cast
Will Brill as Doug Leibowitz
Gillian Jacobs as Abigail
Rob Lowe as Principal Brady
Devin Villarreal as Piano Kid
Production
The film is directed by Giselle Bonilla, an alumnus of the AFI Conservatory and the Sundance Institute Ignite Fellowship. The screenplay was written by Alexander Heller. The project is produced by star Rob Lowe alongside Greg Lauritano, Findlay Brown, and Jordan Backhus.
The film features Tony Award-winning actor Will Brill in the lead role, supported by Lowe and Gillian Jacobs.
Release
The Musical was selected for the U.S. Dramatic Competition at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, where it had its world premiere during the festival's run from January 22 to February 1, 2026. It is scheduled to be released in the United States on September 18, 2026.