On December 13, 2012, stage producer Marc Platt told Entertainment Weekly that the film would enter development \'soon\'. Previously, in summer 2012, it was reported that Stephen Daldry (Billy Elliot film and stage productions) was being sought to direct.
The film was long in development with several starts and stops. Finally, in 2022, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo were cast and the film moved ahead.
It was to be released in two parts, each one year apart.
Filming began in early 2023.