This New Mel Brooks Inspired Comedy Is Ready to Teach Kids the Power of Revenge
Collider spoke with director Giselle Bonilla and screenwriter Alexander Heller at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival about The Musical, a school-set comedy starring Will Brill, Gillian Jacobs and Rob Lowe, who also serves as a producer. The premise—an intentionally botched, woeful stage production—invites comparisons to Mel Brooks’ The Producers.
Bonilla said she aimed to be the “female, Mexican Mel Brooks,” and Heller described Brooks’ work as a clear influence, recalling how The Producers shaped his sense of what films could do. Lowe told Collider he was drawn to the script for being audacious yet grounded, praising its characters, dialogue and surprising big swings.
Interviewed at the Arby’s Cinema Center, the team discussed inspirations, tone, building chemistry with young actors and the film’s tribute to formative teachers and music instructors. The Musical is listed with a January 25, 2026 release date.