‘Every fear you’re supposed to have as a New Yorker’: Lin-Manuel Miranda on rebooting cult movie The Warriors

Lin-Manuel Miranda, the creator of Hamilton, has turned the classic film The Warriors into a musical concept album with playwright Eisa Davis. Miranda first watched the film as a four-year-old when his friend's older brother showed it to him on VHS. The 1979 film, directed by Walter Hill, is a thriller about New York gang battles. The movie follows a Coney Island clan on a perilous journey home from the Bronx after being falsely accused of killing the leader of the city's biggest gang. Miranda describes the film as showcasing "every fear you're supposed to have as a New Yorker." The concept album is inspired by Jesus Christ Superstar and features hip-hop royalty such as Ghostface Killah and Lauryn Hill. Miranda was drawn to the film's portrayal of the city's darker side, which he found captivating as a child. The album aims to capture the essence of the film, with its themes of fear, danger, and survival. Miranda and Davis's collaboration brings a new perspective to the classic film, blending hip-hop and musical theater. The result is a unique concept album that pays homage to the original film while offering a fresh take on its themes and characters.