Adele Steps Into Acting with Director Tom Ford's Ensemble Drama 'Cry to Heaven'

One of the most well-known singers of the twenty-first century, Adele, is embarking on a fascinating new phase in her career. The British diva is getting ready to make her eagerly anticipated acting debut after years of topping international charts with intensely emotive hits and winning shelves of accolades. Renowned designer-turned-director Tom Ford is directing her in her debut motion picture role, which is in his upcoming adaptation of Anne Rice's book 'Cry to Heaven.'

The project comes at a time when Adele has purposefully taken a break from music to pursue new artistic endeavours; this movie is her most daring change to date. Her leap from powerhouse vocalist to screen performer has sparked immense curiosity across the entertainment world, setting the stage for one of the most talked-about debuts of the year.

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From Chart-Topping Songstress to Creative Explorer

British singer-songwriter Adele has built a storied career defined by powerhouse vocals, soulful ballads and global commercial success. Adele swiftly established herself as one of the most iconic musicians of her generation with breakthrough songs including 'Chasing Pavements,' 'Rolling in the Deep,' and the Oscar-winning soundtrack 'Skyfall.' Her 2015 album '25' and 2021 album '30' both have captured candid emotional territory and was able to top charts worldwide. 

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Following a successful Las Vegas residency that ended in November 2024, Adele declared she would be taking a hiatus from music and exploring other artistic endeavors. Earlier she told fans that she had "no plans for new music, at all" for the near future, and wanted "to do other creative things, just for a little while." This shift sets the stage for her next chapter—one that moves from being in the spotlight on stage to emerging on screen. 

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Her Acting Debut & the Film's Grand Vision

Tom Ford is the writer, director, and producer of the upcoming movie 'Cry to Heaven,' in which Adele will be making her acting debut. The project marks Ford's third feature film following 'A Single Man' (2009) and 'Nocturnal Animals' (2016). The plot is set in 18th-century Italy and is based on Anne Rice's 1982 novel. It explores themes of identity, power, and music through the realm of the castrati (male singers whose voices were preserved by castration so they could play opera at the highest pitch). Though Adele's exact part is still unknown, her musical background and emotional range in song suggest she could bring a unique depth to the film's musical and dramatic terrain.

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With primary photography set to start in January 2026 in London and Rome, the film is currently in pre-production with an anticipated late-autumn 2026 release date. The ensemble cast is stacked with talent including Nicholas Hoult, Aaron Taylor‑Johnson, Colin Firth, Paul Bettany, Owen Cooper, Thandiwe Newton, Hunter Schafer and others—highlighting Ford's ambition for the project.

Why This Moment Matters for Adele and Film

For Adele, this move signifies a more significant artistic development than just trying out acting. After dominating the music charts and earning multiple Grammys, an Oscar and global acclaim, Adele is now stepping into a different kind of creative spotlight. Her decision to work with a director like Tom Ford, who is renowned for his meticulously made, visually striking movies, implies that she is aiming for a meaningful role rather than just a mere cameo. Ford himself has transitioned from being a fashion icon to now a filmmaker, launching his namesake brand and then directing 'A Single Man' and 'Nocturnal Animals,' both praised for their design, emotional urgency and visual style.

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Adele's participation creates a crossover moment for the movie industry: a well-known singer accepting her first feature role in a sombre historical drama. Her performance might set the standard for how musicians in this era are now stepping into acting if it is received well. With filming under way and the release still a year away, audiences and critics alike will be watching Adele's next move—and how she will make the big screen sing. 

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