Hadestown: The Musical

Hadestown: The Musical
Theatrical release poster
Directed byBrett Sullivan
Written byAnaïs Mitchell
Based onOrpheus and Eurydice and Rape of Persephone
Produced by
  • Mara Isaacs
  • Dale Franzen
  • Hunter Arnold
  • Tom Kirdahy
Starring
Distributed by
Release dates
  • 8 June 2026 (2026-06-08) (Tribeca)
  • 24 July 2026 (2026-07-24) (United States)
  • October 2026 (2026-10) (United Kingdom)
Running time
142 minutes[1]
Countries
  • United Kingdom
  • United States
LanguageEnglish
Box office$21 million[2]

Hadestown: The Musical is a 2026 musical film presenting a live stage recording of the musical of the same name. The film was directed by Brett Sullivan and features five principal cast members of the original Broadway production.[3] Recorded at the Lyric Theatre, London, the remainder of the cast are performers in the West End production.[4] Bleecker Street division Crosswalk launched a limited release for North American cinemas beginning July 24, 2026.[4][5]

Synopsis

Act I

The Greek god Hermes welcomes the audience to the show, introducing the story, characters, ensemble, and band ("Road to Hell"). Eurydice and the Fates describe Eurydice’s cynical worldview as well as the harsh weather and famine ("Any Way the Wind Blows"). Orpheus, Hermes' ward, introduces himself to Eurydice and abruptly asks her to marry him ("Come Home with Me"). Eurydice is doubtful, as they both live in poverty. Orpheus tells her that he is writing a song to make spring come again, and they will no longer have to endure hardship ("Wedding Song").

Prompted by Hermes, Orpheus tells the story of Hades and Persephone ("Epic I"). Persephone arrives in the world above and celebrates summertime ("Livin' it Up on Top"), while Eurydice begins to fall in love with Orpheus ("All I've Ever Known"). Hades comes early to collect Persephone, who voices her misery at having to return to Hadestown, Hades' underground factory. Despite hearing about the never-ending labor endured by the factory workers, Eurydice is intrigued by the Fates' rich praise of Hadestown, and its promise of protection ("Way Down Hadestown"). The cold weather returns, and Eurydice searches for food and firewood, urging Orpheus to finish his song ("A Gathering Storm"). Orpheus continues working on his song ("Epic II") as Eurydice becomes more desperate as times grow harder.

After Persephone and Hades argue ("Chant"), Hades leaves Hadestown to find someone who will appreciate its safety and security. He comes across a desperate Eurydice, who has become caught in a snowstorm, and invites her to come to Hadestown ("Hey, Little Songbird"), and the Fates urge Eurydice to join him ("When the Chips Are Down"). With the cold surging and an empty stomach, Eurydice sees no other choice except to follow Hades. She bids goodbye to the preoccupied Orpheus and heads to Hadestown; the Fates chastise the audience for judging her for choosing self-interest over love ("Gone, I'm Gone"). Orpheus realizes Eurydice is missing and resolves to rescue her from Hadestown. Using Hermes' instructions, he travels to Hadestown the long way without the use of the train ("Wait for Me"). As Hades revels in his power and dominion over the denizens of his realm ("Why We Build the Wall"), Eurydice arrives in Hadestown and signs a contract to become a worker.

Act II

Persephone sings to the patrons of a speakeasy that she runs behind Hades's back ("Our Lady of the Underground"). Eurydice begins to recognize the consequences of her choice to go to Hadestown: she will become a forgotten laborer and can never leave unless Hades lets her go ("Way Down Hadestown" (reprise)). Regretting her decision, she begins to forget her life and the world above ("Flowers").

Orpheus arrives in Hadestown and promises Eurydice that he will take her home ("Come Home with Me" (reprise)). Hades tells him that Eurydice willingly signed the contract and orders the workers to attack Orpheus ("Papers"). The Fates tell him to give up hope ("Nothing Changes"). Orpheus vows to find a way to free Eurydice, rallying the workers and catching Persephone's attention in the process ("If It's True").

Persephone is inspired by Orpheus's determination and pleads with Hades to let Eurydice go ("How Long?"). While the workers begin to question the freedom they were promised, Hades challenges Orpheus to sing his completed song, threatening to kill him afterwards ("Chant" (reprise)). Orpheus sings his song, reminding Hades of his love for Persephone ("Epic III"). Hades and Persephone reconcile with a dance ("Epic III ('They Danced...')"), after which Orpheus and Eurydice promise to stay together no matter the difficulty ("Promises"). Orpheus asks Hades if they may leave, and Hades tells him that he has not reached a decision. The Fates taunt Hades for his dilemma: If he kills Orpheus and keeps Eurydice captive, they become martyrs, but if he lets them go, he loses control over his workers as they have begun to agitate for their freedom ("Word to the Wise"). Hades lets Orpheus and Eurydice go on one condition: Orpheus must lead them out single file. If he turns around to confirm that Eurydice is following him, she will return to Hadestown and remain there forever ("His Kiss, the Riot").

Hermes explains the condition to Orpheus and Eurydice, and they begin the long, frightening walk out, as the workers look to them for hope. Persephone and Hades decide to give their own relationship another chance ("Wait for Me" (reprise)). Just as Orpheus reaches the end, he is overcome by doubt and turns around, condemning Eurydice to return to Hadestown ("Doubt Comes In"). Hermes reflects on the somber tale and why it must be told, as the story resets to the beginning, and the company begins to tell it again ("Road to Hell" (reprise)). Persephone and the others honor Orpheus for his optimism and bravery ("We Raise Our Cups").

Cast

Production

Footage was captured during three live performances on February 28 and March 1, 2025.[4] However, only two of these performances featured Patrick Page (Hades) as he had torn his Achilles tendon in the months prior to shooting. Given that the actors can be filmed from the stage itself, the pro-shoot allows for details that cannot be seen as a member of the audience, such as a shot from the stage lift as people enter and exit Hadestown. [6]

In the behind-the-scenes footage shown before the opening number, Page is shown putting on a medical boot that's been modified to match his character's dark and imposing aesthetic. Comparisons between the dog head cane and Cerberus have been made by fans and critics alike. Due to Page's injury, the dance performed between he and Amber Gray (Persephone) was modified. [6]

Release

Following its premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival on June 8, 2026,[7] Bleecker Street's label Crosswalk and LD Entertainment acquired distribution rights in all English-speaking territories to the film, and released it in the United States on July 24, 2026;[8][9] it was initially set for a five-day limited run before being extended due to popular demand.[10] In August 2026, Bleecker Street sold distribution rights in the U.K., Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa to Universal Pictures; the latter plans to theatrically release the film in October through Trafalgar Releasing.[5][11]

Reception

On Rotten Tomatoes, 97% of 37 critic reviews are positive; the average rating is 9 out of 10. The website’s consensus reads: "Swathing classic themes in the sweltering rhythms of jazz while capturing all the action with crisp clarity, Hadestown: The Musical recreates the Broadway experience with transporting aplomb."[12] According to Metacritic, the film received "universal acclaim" based on a weighted average[13] score of 82 out of 100 from eight critic scores.[14]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Hadestown: The Musical (G)". British Columbia Film Classification Office (Consumer Protection BC). June 19, 2026. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
  2. ↑ "Hadestown: The Musical - Financial Information". The Numbers. Retrieved August 13, 2026.
  3. ↑ Frey, Mae (March 26, 2026). "A Hadestown Proshot Will Hit Movie Theatres This Summer". Broadway Direct. Retrieved June 9, 2026.
  4. 1 2 3 Gonet, Adam (March 28, 2026). "'Hadestown' Proshot Film Announces North American Theatrical Release Date". The Arts Shelf. Retrieved June 9, 2026.
  5. 1 2 "Hadestown film confirms UK release plans". June 9, 2026. Retrieved June 9, 2026.
  6. 1 2 Tran, Diep (July 27, 2026). "5 Hadestown Easter Eggs You Can Only See in the Film". Playbill. Retrieved August 10, 2026.
  7. ↑ "Hadestown: The Musical | 2026 Tribeca Festival". Tribeca. Retrieved June 9, 2026.
  8. ↑ "Watch: 'Hadestown' trailer brings Broadway musical to theaters". Yahoo Entertainment. June 9, 2026. Retrieved June 9, 2026.
  9. ↑ D'Alessandro, Anthony (March 26, 2026). "Bleecker Street's Crosswalk & LD Entertainment Acquire West End Live Version Of 'Hadestown'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved August 5, 2026.
  10. ↑ D'Amato, Lee (July 28, 2026). "'Hadestown' live capture sets box office record during opening weekend". Broadway News. Retrieved July 28, 2026.
  11. ↑ Tabbara, Mona (August 5, 2026). "'Hadestown: The Musical' acquired by Universal Pictures Content Group for UK-Ireland and beyond". Screen Daily. Retrieved August 5, 2026.
  12. ↑ "Hadestown: The Musical". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved August 8, 2026.
  13. ↑ "About Us". Metacritic. Fandom, Inc. Archived from the original on July 23, 2026. Retrieved July 29, 2026.
  14. ↑ "Hadestown: The Musical". Metacritic. Fandom, Inc. Retrieved August 1, 2026.
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