British superstar Adele is about to embark on a new artistic journey this time not on stage but on screen. The chart-topping singer, known for her soulful voice and heart-wrenching lyrics, will be making her film debut in acclaimed designer-turned-director Tom Ford’s next project, Cry to Heaven.
This marks Adele’s first official acting role and signals a new chapter for the singer who, for nearly two decades, has redefined modern pop and soul with timeless hits such as Hello, Someone Like You, and Easy On Me.
The upcoming film, Cry to Heaven, is based on Anne Rice’s 1982 novel of the same title. Set in 18th-century Italy, the story explores the world of the “castrati” — young male singers who were castrated to preserve their high voices, achieving fame and tragedy in equal measure.
The film adaptation promises to be rich in historical texture, art, and emotion — elements that align well with Adele’s expressive artistry. Though her exact role remains undisclosed, her inclusion in such an emotionally intense project has already generated immense curiosity.
Ford, who will direct, write, and produce the film, has assembled an impressive cast that includes Nicholas Hoult, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Colin Firth, Paul Bettany, and Owen Cooper, the breakout star from Adolescence.
Additional cast members include Ciarán Hinds, George MacKay, Mark Strong, Hunter Schafer, and Thandiwe Newton. US outlets such as Deadline and Variety have confirmed the casting, while Ford’s representatives have stated that production is expected to begin in early 2026.
Adele’s move into acting follows a period of withdrawal from the spotlight. After concluding her critically acclaimed Las Vegas residency in 2023, the singer revealed her intention to take what she described as “a big break” from music.
Speaking in mid-2024, Adele told ZDF and Euronews that she had “no plans for new music at all” and wanted to “do other creative things just for a little while.” This came as no surprise to her fans, who witnessed the physical and emotional toll that years of touring and performing had taken on her.
Her break also coincided with the end of an era — the conclusion of her Weekends With Adele residency at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, which had run since late 2021.
During her final shows, Adele tearfully told the audience that she would not see them “for an incredibly long time” and that she needed to “rest and live a little.” Entertainment outlets like Entertainment Weekly and Pitchfork later confirmed that she intended to step away from recording and live performances indefinitely.
This decision marked one of the longest creative pauses in her career since she rose to global fame in 2008. According to Billboard, Adele felt she had given her all to music and wanted to explore new forms of expression.
Her decision to act, therefore, seems like a natural progression an opportunity to channel her emotions and storytelling through another artistic medium. For an artist celebrated for her authenticity and emotional honesty, acting could offer her a different way to connect with audiences.
Meanwhile, Tom Ford’s involvement adds a layer of sophistication and cinematic allure to the project. The former fashion mogul, who sold his luxury brand to Estée Lauder for $2.8 billion in 2022, has made a seamless transition into filmmaking.
His earlier works A Single Man (2009) and Nocturnal Animals (2016), earned widespread critical acclaim, including BAFTA nominations. In interviews with GQ, Ford described filmmaking as “the most fun I’ve ever had in my entire life,” and promised to dedicate the next two decades to cinema.
The pairing of Ford and Adele seems both unexpected and inspired. Both are known for precision, elegance, and emotional resonance in their work. While Ford brings his signature visual style and narrative depth, Adele brings raw human emotion and global appeal. Industry watchers say that this combination could result in one of the most anticipated artistic collaborations of the decade.
The novel Cry to Heaven itself delves into themes of gender, beauty, artistry, and suffering – issues that resonate deeply in today’s cultural landscape. For Adele, who has openly spoken about body image, fame, and identity, the film’s exploration of personal sacrifice for art could feel deeply personal.
While it is unclear whether she will sing in the film, her understanding of the emotional power of voice makes her casting all the more fitting.
As news of her acting debut spread, fans flooded social media with excitement and speculation. Some wondered whether this move signaled the end of her musical era, while others viewed it as an evolution of her creativity.
Many praised her courage for stepping outside her comfort zone – something she has done consistently throughout her career, from writing heartbreak anthems to reinventing herself after personal struggles.
Industry insiders also suggest that Adele’s break from music might not be a complete departure but a strategic pause – a way to recharge artistically while expanding her creative reach.
Acting, they argue, allows her to stay expressive without the pressures of producing chart-topping hits or touring globally. For someone who has always valued emotional depth over fame, film could provide a more introspective outlet.
With Cry to Heaven, Adele stands at the intersection of reinvention and risk. As she trades the microphone for a movie script, her transition mirrors that of many great artists who have dared to redefine themselves.