Heath Ledger Movie ‘A Knight’s Tale’ Gets Musical Theater Adaptation, Sets U.K. Debut

K.J. Yossman
·2 min read

“A Knight’s Tale” is set to be turned into a musical, with the theatrical show set to debut in Manchester, U.K. next year.

The 2001 movie, which starred Heath Ledger, Paul Bettany and Rufus Sewell, continues to endure. It stars Ledger as a peasant who passes himself off as a nobleman and takes the world of jousting by storm. But Count Adhemar (Sewell), the bad boy of jousting, isn’t ready to hand over his crown, leading to a fierce rivalry.

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It was written and directed by Brian Helgeland and produced by Columbia Pictures.

Helgeland recently revealed he had attempted to make a sequel to the film following the teenage daughter of Ledger’s character, with Sony and Netflix potentially interested before ultimately turning it down.

The film has now been adapted for the stage by Runaway Entertainment (“101 Dalmatians the Musical”) and will open on April 11, 2025 for a limited run. It’s been adapted by Brona C Titley with Rachel Kavanaugh directing and Matt Cole choreographing.

Lucy Casson is casting director. Keston and Keston will handle children’s casting. The cast has not yet been unveiled.

“Over twenty years ago I had the time of my life surrounded by a supreme cast and crew making a film we all fell in love with while we were joyfully making it,” said Helgeland. “Sitting at a recent read through of the stage version, fashioned by Rachel Kavanaugh and Brona C Titley, I could feel that same joy and love emerging. I am grateful for the new life they are creating and very eager to see it in all its fully staged glory.”

“A Knight’s Tale The Musical” is produced by Tristan Baker and Charlie Parsons for Runaway Entertainment and Isobel David, by arrangement with Sony Pictures and Brian Helgeland.

The film is the latest in a slew of movies getting a theater adaptation. Other recent and upcoming projects include “13 Going on 30 The Musical” and “Burlesque the Musical.”

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