Lin-Manuel Miranda’s upcoming film adaptation of “Octet”—the 2019 a cappella musical by Dave Malloy (creator of Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812)—has found its cast, and it’s filled with stars.

Just under two weeks after announcing the project, with Malloy writing the screenplay, Miranda revealed the eight actors who will portray the members of an internet addiction support group at the heart of the musical drama. A rehearsal sign-in sheet shared on Tuesday morning confirmed the lineup: Amanda Seyfried as Jessica, Rachel Zegler as Velma, Sheryl Lee Ralph as Paula, Phillipa Soo as Karly, Gaten Matarazzo as Toby, Jonathan Groff as Henry, Tramell Tillman as Marvin, and Paul-Jordan Jansen as Ed. This marks Miranda’s second feature as a director, following 2021’s Tick, Tick… Boom!

When asked what ties this diverse group of film, TV, and theater actors together—including two of Miranda’s former Hamilton castmates—Miranda explained via email to Vogue that he sought performers with not only extensive singing experience but also choir background. “You have to not only be able to step into the spotlight for your solo, but also love supporting the person in the spotlight,” he said.

He praised the original off-Broadway ensemble at Signature Theatre, directed by Annie Tippe, and noted his desire to build his own “Octet” for the film. “I couldn’t be more grateful for the company we’ve been able to assemble,” Miranda added. “We have eight unicorns.”

Reflecting on his return to directing five years after his debut, Tick, Tick… Boom!—a critical success that earned star Andrew Garfield an Oscar nomination—Miranda shared that filmmaking feels deeply personal. “Because of the hundreds of decisions you’re making every day as the director… the movies you make end up being somehow more personal than your writing,” he said.

This held true for Tick, Tick… Boom!, which follows a young artist navigating musical theater, and now for Octet. Miranda pointed to a lyric from the show: “When we say ‘in real life’ / this is a lie to protect us / it is all real / it is all real life.” He explained, “So much of Octet speaks to things I struggle with every day. I didn’t write it, but it’s still intensely personal.”

As rehearsals begin, Miranda’s main focus is to “get the music in the cast’s brains and in their bodies.” He added, “Then we can really start to play. I come in with a lot of ideas but not all the answers—those we’ll find together, and hopefully make something none of us could have made alone.”

Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about Amanda Seyfried Rachel Zegler and Jonathan Groff starring in LinManuel Mirandas Octet

General Beginner Questions

Q What is Octet
A Octet is a musical with music lyrics and a book by Dave Malloy Its an a cappella chamber musical about eight internetaddicted strangers who meet for a support group

Q Wait I thought it was by LinManuel Miranda
A LinManuel Miranda is the director of this production The show itself was written by Dave Malloy who also wrote The Great Comet Miranda is a huge fan of the show and is bringing it to the stage with this starry cast

Q Who is starring in it
A The confirmed stars for this production are Amanda Seyfried Rachel Zegler and Jonathan Groff

Q Where and when can I see it
A It will be part of the 20242025 season at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC with performances scheduled for June 2025

Q Is this a movie or a stage show
A It is a stage musical This is a live theatrical production

Cast Character Questions

Q What roles will Amanda Seyfried Rachel Zegler and Jonathan Groff play
A Specific role assignments havent been officially announced yet In Octet the eight characters are part of an ensemble and the actors often play multiple instruments and sing complex harmonies

Q Have any of them worked with LinManuel Miranda before
A Yes Jonathan Groff is a longtime friend and collaborator originating the role of King George III in Hamilton Rachel Zegler starred in Mirandas directorial debut film tick tickBOOM This will be Amanda Seyfrieds first project with him

Q Can they all sing well enough for a musical like this