Yesterday, the world was given the first look at the upcoming film adaptation of the Broadway musical, “Dear Evan Hansen.” While the trailer seemed to showcase what is a faithful adaptation of the award-winning source material, fan reaction was…mixed, to say the least. And it appears that most of the social discourse was less to do with the content of the trailer, but instead the idea that 27-year-old Ben Platt is in the lead role as the high school-aged kid, Evan Hansen.
For those unaware, Platt was given the role of Evan Hansen in the film after earning Tony, Grammy, and Emmy awards for his performance in the Broadway version. However, that was back a number of years, when the idea of Platt as a teen didn’t seem so absurd. And though it’s unfair to judge a film and a performance based on a trailer, it’s clear the actor looks older than his more age-appropriate castmates. But according to a new interview with Vanity Fair, filmmaker Stephen Chbosky and Platt talk about why the actor was given a final chance to play the character he originated and why there was never any other choice.
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“You just have to hear him sing the songs,” Chbosky said. “His understanding of the character is so complete and so profound. I couldn’t imagine anybody else playing it. It’s his part. I felt very strongly about it. And to me it was never even a consideration.”
Though the film was announced a few years ago, “Dear Evan Hansen” didn’t actually start production until after the pandemic lockdown, leading Platt to believe that he might have “outgrown” the role. However, as is seen in the trailer, the studio and Chbosky kept Platt in the lead. And to help make it as believable as possible, the actor did everything he could to look more teenage-like.
“I’d lost about 15 pounds and did a very specific diet, grew my hair out, and was shaving to make sure that I didn’t look like I had five o’clock shadow all the time, you know,” Platt said. “I was just stripping myself into being a teenager for the last time. For what is hopefully the last time.”
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Of course, even though Platt did all that work, just a quick search on Twitter will find a ton of backlash from people that are upset by the casting. Defenders seem to point to the fact that Platt originated the role and deserves a chance to bring it to life on the big screen. However, the more vocal opposition points to the clear difference in age between the cast members and how it is just hard to look past.
Ultimately, it’s one of those things that will have to wait until the entire film can be viewed before making any honest conclusions. “Dear Evan Hansen” is expected to arrive in theaters on September 24.