Carmen Miranda Biopic 'Carmen' to Shoot in Brazil and U.S. in 2027

The Carmen Miranda biopic "Carmen" will shoot in the second half of 2027 in Brazil and the United States, with Esmir Filho directing, according to Variety. Giovanna Lancellotti will star as Miranda and also serve as a producer.

The film carries a budget of 61 million reais ($20 million). Producers have raised 80% of that budget through Brazilian incentives. The screenplay is by Mariana Bardan and Eduardo Melo, and production is handled by Ananã Produções, Producing Partners, GL Filmes and H2O.

H2O Films plans to release "Carmen" in Brazilian theaters in the second half of 2028. Producers also aim for theatrical releases in the U.S., Europe and Asia. The cast will include English-speaking actors to play Darryl F. Zanuck, Lee Shubert and David Sebastian, and shooting will take place on location in New York City, Maricá and Rio.

"Carmen" will be presented on Oct. 7 at RioMarket, the business section of the Rio Film Festival.

Miranda's career and Filho's recent work

Miranda emerged as one of Brazil's biggest radio, recording and film stars in the 1930s. Her U.S. career began in 1940 on Broadway, where she starred in musicals, and she appeared in 14 features before her death from a heart attack in 1955. Lancellotti began immersing herself in Miranda's story in 2021.

Filho directed "Homem com H," the 2025 bio of Brazilian singer Ney Matogrosso, which was acclaimed by critics and achieved a solid box office performance.