Singer Adele to star in Tom Ford directorial Cry to Heaven: Report

Singer Adele is set to join the cast for the first time on the big screen in Tom Ford’s upcoming adaptation of Anne Rice’s 1982 novel ‘Cry to Heaven’. The film is currently in pre-production in London and Rome, with principal photography expected to begin in January 2026. Ford will direct, produce and write the film, self-financing the project before seeking a buyer after filming is completed.

according to Diversity, Set in 18th century Italy, the story revolves around the lives of a Venetian nobleman and an impotent opera singer whose paths cross in unexpected ways. Adele joins a cast that includes Nicholas Hoult, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Ciarán Hinds, George MacKay, Mark Strong, Colin Firth, Paul Bettany, Owen Cooper, Daniel Quinn-Toy, Hunter Schafer, Josephine Thiessen, Thandiwe Newton, Theodore Pellerin, Daryl McCormack, Cassian Bilton, Hawk Henman and Lux ​​Pascal.

Ford’s film represents a reunion with several past collaborators. Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Colin Firth have both appeared in Ford’s earlier works, with Taylor-Johnson starring in ‘Nocturnal Animals’ and Firth in ‘A Single Man’. Both films received critical acclaim, with ‘A Single Man’ being the best. Earning an Oscar nomination and ‘Nocturnal Animals’ won the Grand Jury Prize at Venice.

Adele’s transition to acting followed major success in her music career, which included hits such as ‘Hello’, ‘Chasing Pavements’, ‘Rolling in the Deep’ and the Oscar-winning ‘Skyfall’. ‘She recently completed her Las Vegas residency and announced that she will be stepping back from music for an extended break.

In July 2024, Adele confirmed her plans to focus on other creative pursuits, saying, “I don’t have any plans for new music,” and “I want a big break after this, and I think I want to do other creative things, just for a little while.”

Production on ‘Cry to Heaven’ is scheduled to begin in January 2026 in both London and Rome. The film is expected to be released in autumn 2026, although no distribution deal has been announced yet.

Known for his work in both fashion and film, Ford made his directorial debut with ‘A Single Man’. in 2009, followed by ‘Nocturnal Animals’ in 2016. ‘Cry to Heaven’ will be his third film as director, and he continues to draw attention for his hands-on approach, choosing to finance the project independently before hiring a distributor.

Deadline first reported news of the project, noting Ford’s decision to secure a buyer after completion rather than entering pre-sales. Details regarding Adele’s character and the full scope of the adaptation have not yet been specified, with further announcements expected as production progresses.