Lin-Manuel Miranda has a habit of doing things his own way. In the Heights, the Tony/Drama Desk/Pulitzer Prize-winning musical showcased not only Miranda’s talent, but the work of a wide range of Latino stars on Broadway, from Karen Olivo (Harry’s Law) to Carlos Gomez (The Glades). More recently–after appearances on everything from Sesame Street and The Electric Company to House and Modern Family, Miranda has co-written the music for Bring It On!, the stage-musical version of the Kirsten Dunst cheerleading film from a decade ago. And even this he did in his own way, opening the show in a 12-city tour before taking it to Broadway, where it received strong (if not perfect) reviews. And you can see Lin-Manuel in the film, The Odd Life of Timothy Green in theaters now.
Univision talked with Miranda recently about a topic of continuing, expanding concern: the lack of good (or any) roles for Latinos in Hollywood, and Latinos taking and profiting from stereotypical roles in film on stage, and on TV. Miranda’s answer: you’re asking the wrong question. This wouldn’t be an issue if Latinos were writing and producing their own material. Listen in…and listen to him talk about the Latina he created for Bring It On, and the rap he created for her:
