Reviving the Magic of Eurovision
Will Ferrell is set to collaborate once again with his frequent partner, Harper Steele, to transform their 2020 romantic comedy, Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga, into a live stage musical. Announced in a recent report, this adaptation is currently in development, with Ferrell and Steele co-creating the book alongside Anthony King. Renowned songwriter Savan Kotecha, who contributed to the original film's music, will reprise his role to compose new songs, while the direction will be helmed by Tony Award winner Alex Timbers.
Although a production timeline has yet to be established, the project is set to be produced by Lia Vollack, adding to the anticipation surrounding the adaptation.
A Celebration of Friendship and Aspirations
Originally designed to coincide with the 2020 Eurovision competition, the film features Ferrell and actress Rachel McAdams as Lars Erickssong and Sigrit Ericksdottir, two aspiring Icelandic musicians striving for pop stardom. Their journey unfolds in the prestigious Eurovision Song Contest, where they contend with rival participants and face various onstage mishaps, all while their long-standing friendship is tested. The narrative emphasizes the importance of perseverance in pursuing one’s dreams, a theme that resonates with many.
The film received a mixed critical response, holding a 63% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, but resonated well with audiences, garnering a 77% approval score. It also earned an Academy Award nomination for the song “Husavik (My Hometown),” co-written by Kotecha, Fat Max Gsus, and Rickard Göransson.
Star-Studded Ensemble
Alongside Ferrell and McAdams, the film boasted an impressive supporting cast featuring notable talents such as Dan Stevens, Melissanthi Mahut, and Demi Lovato, among others. While specific casting choices for the stage adaptation have yet to be disclosed, Timbers expressed his enthusiasm to work with Ferrell and Steele, citing the uplifting impact the original film had during the pandemic.
“Will Ferrell and Harper Steele are my comedy heroes. When I saw their joyful movie during the pandemic, it buoyed spirits in a very dark time. I can't wait to bring that same mix of heart, spectacle, irreverence, and awe to audiences across the world,” Timbers noted.
The Legacy of Eurovision
The Eurovision Song Contest, a staple of global entertainment since its inception in 1956, remains a platform for emerging international artists to showcase their talents before a vast audience. With an estimated viewership of up to 166 million, the contest has previously launched the careers of iconic artists, including ABBA and Celine Dion.
Ferrell emphasized the significance of this musical adaptation as a tribute to both the film and the illustrious contest: “We are more than excited to bring Eurovision to Broadway. The stage musical is a perfect arena to celebrate all the elements we cherish about this fantastic and unifying song competition.”
Echoing this sentiment, Eurovision CBE Director Martin Green expressed optimism about the adaptation’s potential to expand the reach of the contest ahead of its 70th anniversary. As he stated, “This is a stellar team for what I am sure will be an equally stellar adaptation of a film the world loved. Our aim is to bring the joy of the Eurovision Song Contest to more people globally, especially as we approach our 70th edition in 2026.”
Looking Ahead
A fervent anticipation surrounds the adaptation of Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga as the creative team gears up for an exciting theatrical venture. While further details, including casting and production schedules, remain to be announced, fans can look forward to seeing Lars and Sigrit's journey play out on stage, celebrating music, friendship, and the spirit of competition.
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