Singer Adele is set to step into the world of cinema with her first-ever acting role in Tom Ford’s new film Cry to Heaven, an adaptation of Anne Rice’s 1982 novel. The project is currently in pre-production with filming scheduled to begin in January 2026 across London and Rome. Ford, known for his acclaimed work in both fashion and filmmaking, is directing, producing and writing the film independently before selling it to a distributor after completion. The move marks a major milestone for Adele, who recently wrapped her Las Vegas residency and announced a long break from music to explore new creative paths.
Cry to Heaven is set in 18th-century Italy and explores the intertwined lives of a Venetian nobleman and a castrated opera singer, bringing themes of artistry, tragedy and power to the screen. Adele joins an impressive list of cast members including Nicholas Hoult, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Ciarn Hinds, George MacKay, Mark Strong, Colin Firth, Paul Bettany, Hunter Schafer, Thandiwe Newton, Lux Pascal and several rising talents. The film reunites Ford with actors like Taylor-Johnson and Firth, both of whom starred in his previous critically praised projects. A Single Man earned an Oscar nomination, while Nocturnal Animals won the grand jury prize at Venice, raising expectations for Ford’s third directorial feature.
Adele’s move into acting follows years of global success as a singer, with chart-topping hits such as Hello, Rolling in the Deep and Skyfall, the latter winning her an Academy Award. In 2024, she revealed her desire to focus on other creative avenues, saying she planned a long break from music to pursue new artistic experiences. Cry to Heaven aligns perfectly with that shift, giving her a dramatic and historically rich setting for her screen debut. Production will begin in early 2026, with a planned release in autumn 2026, though distribution details are yet to be confirmed. As filming approaches, more information about Adele’s character and the adaptation is expected to be revealed, adding to the mounting anticipation surrounding Tom Ford’s return to filmmaking.
