Richard Linklater Has Confirmed Filming Timeline
The director plans to shoot the next segment of his long-term project in early 2027.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Science Fiction
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Director Richard Linklater has confirmed that production on the fourth of nine sections for his musical film Merrily We Roll Along will occur in a few months. The project, which spans a 20-year timeline, aims for completion in 2040.
Why it matters
Linklater stated that this 20-year production schedule is the only method to effectively tell the story of the film. The approach requires filming in distinct stages to age the lead actors in real time.
The production spans a 20-year period and consists of nine distinct sections. It is based on the 1981 Stephen Sondheim musical.
The players
Richard Linklater
He is an American filmmaker known for his focus on long-term narratives and the passage of time in cinematic storytelling.
Paul Mescal
He is an Irish actor and one of the stars cast to play a lead role in the ongoing film production.
Ben Platt
He is a prominent actor and singer serving as a central cast member in the musical project.
Beanie Feldstein
She is an actress and central cast member featured in the film adaptation of the stage musical.
Stephen Sondheim
He was a renowned composer and lyricist who wrote the original 1981 stage musical that serves as the source material for the film.
The details
The ambitious film stars actors Paul Mescal, Ben Platt, and Beanie Feldstein. Production is set to continue as Linklater balances the project with other industry appearances, such as receiving the Golden Eye Award at the 2026 Zurich Film Festival.
Timeline
1981: Original Stephen Sondheim show debut
September 24 to October 4, 2026: 22nd Zurich Film Festival duration
Late 2026 to Early 2027: Filming of the fourth movie section
2040: Expected final production completion
Industry Dynamics
This project follows the pattern established by the Boyhood filming process by utilizing an extended production schedule to document aging in real time. It represents a departure from traditional studio production cycles that favor compressed schedules for commercial viability.
Viewers should expect a multi-decade wait before the final film is available for public consumption. Given the 20-year commitment, the distribution and release strategy for the individual sections remains a long-term expectation for fans.
The takeaway
Linklater demonstrates that some stories require patience and a rejection of traditional film timelines to be realized. This project stands as a testament to the commitment required for auteurs to capture authentic human aging through the lens of a musical.
Further reading
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