Cast of Hamilton 2020 – Original Broadway Actors and Roles

The 2020 film adaptation of Hamilton brings the original Broadway cast to screens worldwide, capturing performances recorded live at the Richard Rodgers Theatre in June 2016. Starring Lin-Manuel Miranda in the title role, the production features nearly every principal actor from the groundbreaking musical’s opening night company. The film premiered on Disney+ on July 3, 2020, making theatrical history accessible to millions of viewers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Unlike a traditional movie remake, this adaptation preserves the energy and intimacy of a live stage performance. The result offers audiences a front-row seat to what many consider the definitive version of the show, featuring performers who helped define each role during the Broadway run that began in August 2015.

Original Cast of Hamilton 2020 Film

The film captures the original Broadway company as it stood in June 2016, when three nights of performances were recorded at the Richard Rodgers Theatre. Lin-Manuel Miranda leads the ensemble as Alexander Hamilton, a role he originated and performed throughout the Broadway run before stepping away to focus on directing the film adaptation. His portrayal anchors the production that earned eleven Tony Awards in 2016.

Leslie Odom Jr. appears as Aaron Burr, the conflicted narrator whose rivalry with Hamilton drives much of the second act’s tension. Phillipa Soo portrays Eliza Hamilton, bringing nuance to the character’s journey from devoted wife to independent advocate. Renée Elise Goldsberry commands the stage as Angelica Schuyler, delivering the show’s most acclaimed performances including “Satisfied” and “The Schuyler Sisters.”

Principal Cast Overview

• Lin-Manuel Miranda as Alexander Hamilton
• Leslie Odom Jr. as Aaron Burr
• Phillipa Soo as Eliza Hamilton
• Renée Elise Goldsberry as Angelica Schuyler
• Christopher Jackson as George Washington
• Daveed Diggs as Marquis de Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson
• Anthony Ramos as John Laurens and Philip Hamilton
• Okieriete Onaodowan as Hercules Mulligan and James Madison
• Jasmine Cephas Jones as Peggy Schuyler and Maria Reynolds
• Jonathan Groff as King George III

Key Actors and Their Roles in Hamilton 2020

Anthony Ramos: Double Duty as John Laurens and Philip Hamilton

Anthony Ramos performs the dual roles of John Laurens and Philip Hamilton in the 2020 film. As John Laurens, he appears in the first act during the Revolutionary War sequences, delivering passionate performances in “My Shot” and “The Story of Tonight.” His interpretation of Philip Hamilton centers on Act Two’s emotional arc, culminating in the tragic duel with George Eacker that mirrors his father’s own fatal confrontation.

Ramos brought remarkable energy to both characters, each requiring distinct vocal approaches and emotional registers. His work in “Dear Theodosia,” performed as John Laurens, established him as a scene-stealer early in the production. The transition to Philip required showing the character’s growth from an eager young man following his father’s legacy to a doomed figure caught in the same violence that claimed his father’s ambition.

Daveed Diggs: The Swift-Tongued Revolutionaries

Daveed Diggs plays two pivotal characters separated by decades in the show’s timeline. His Marquis de Lafayette appears in the first act’s French Revolutionary scenes, delivering rapid-fire verses in “Guns and Ships” that have become among the most celebrated moments in musical theatre. His performance earned both Tony and Grammy Awards in 2016.

The transition to Thomas Jefferson, who returns from France to serve as Secretary of State, required Diggs to adopt an entirely different stage presence. Where Lafayette moves with youthful urgency, Jefferson embodies political calculation and Southern elegance. The role reversal from revolutionary to establishment figure underscores the show’s examination of how ideals evolve under political pressure.

Ensemble Members in the Film

Beyond the principal cast, several ensemble performers contributed memorable moments to the production. Sydney James Harcourt handled multiple supporting roles including Philip Schuyler, James Reynolds, and the Doctor who announces Hamilton’s death. Thayne Jasperson portrayed Samuel Seabury, the Loyalist clergyman whose debate with Hamilton opens the show’s political arguments.

Ephraim Sykes brought physical intensity to the role of George Eacker, the man who kills Philip Hamilton in the duel’s aftermath. Ariana DeBose, who later earned her own Tony Award in Hamilton’s first national tour, appeared in the ensemble. The filmed performances also capture Carleigh Bettiol, Hope Easterbrook, Sasha Hutchings, Elizabeth Judd, Austin Smith, and Seth Stewart in various ensemble capacities.

Was Emmy Raver-Lampman in the Hamilton 2020 Cast?

Emmy Raver-Lampman was indeed part of the original Broadway company for Hamilton, serving in the ensemble and understudying several principal roles including Eliza Hamilton, Peggy Schuyler, Maria Reynolds, and Angelica Schuyler. However, she does not appear in the 2020 film. The distinction between her Broadway involvement and film absence reflects the specific timing of her departure from the production.

Raver-Lampman left the Broadway cast in April 2016, approximately two months before the filmed performances occurred in June 2016. Her departure meant that Elizabeth Judd had assumed her ensemble position and covered the lead roles by the time cameras rolled. Hope Easterbrook had also joined by then, replacing Betsy Struxness who exited in March 2016.

The Timing of the Hamilton Film Recording

The decision to film Hamilton in June 2016 locked in the cast as it existed at that moment, capturing performers who had been with the production for months or years up to that point. Raver-Lampman’s prior departure meant her ensemble contributions lived on through her replacements rather than appearing directly in the film.

Since leaving Hamilton, Raver-Lampman has built a substantial career in television and film, appearing in productions including The Umbrella Academy. Her Hamilton roots remain part of her professional background, even though those specific performances were not recorded for the Disney+ release.

Hamilton 2020 Tour and Other Production Casts

The Hamilton 2020 film captures a specific moment in the production’s history, distinct from touring companies that began launching after the Broadway premiere. The first national tour launched in 2017, featuring different performers in the principal roles. Cast members for touring productions undergo their own rigorous preparation, often spending months learning the show’s demanding vocal and physical requirements.

The Chicago production, which opened in 2016, also featured its own distinct cast lineup, though it shared several performers with the Broadway company. Touring productions regularly rotate cast members, with understudies advancing to principal roles and new performers joining to maintain the show’s schedules across multiple cities.

Hamilton’s West End Debut

Hamilton premiered in London’s West End in 2017, establishing another production with its own ensemble. The London cast, performing at the Victoria Palace Theatre, featured British performers alongside American transfers. This production has continued with regular cast updates, meaning the London company has evolved separately from both the original Broadway cast and the touring North American productions.

Current touring and West End productions maintain Hamilton’s presence globally, though none feature the specific performers from the 2020 film. For audiences seeking the experience captured on Disney+, the film remains the primary source for viewing Lin-Manuel Miranda and the original company together. More information about current productions is available through the official Hamilton website.

Evolution of the Hamilton Cast: From 2016 to Today

The cast of Hamilton has undergone significant changes since those June 2016 filming dates. Lin-Manuel Miranda departed the Broadway production in July 2016, with other original cast members following over subsequent years. This natural turnover has introduced new performers to the roles while maintaining the show’s quality across thousands of performances.

The current Broadway cast features performers who were largely unknown during the 2016 filming, having joined the production at various points since its historic opening. David Guzman now performs as John Laurens and Philip Hamilton on Broadway, representing a new generation of performers who have made these roles their own.

Timeline: Key Moments in Hamilton’s Cast History

1. August 2015: Hamilton opens on Broadway at the Richard Rodgers Theatre with the original cast including Lin-Manuel Miranda, Leslie Odom Jr., Phillipa Soo, and Renée Elise Goldsberry.
2. 2016: Multiple cast changes occur as original performers depart for other commitments. Emmy Raver-Lampman leaves in April 2016.
3. June 2016: Three nights of performances are filmed for the eventual 2020 release, capturing the company as it stands.
4. July 2016: Lin-Manuel Miranda performs his final Broadway shows as Alexander Hamilton.
5. December 2016: Hamilton wins 11 Tony Awards, cementing the original cast’s legacy.
6. 2017: The first national tour and London’s West End production premiere with new casts.
7. July 3, 2020: The film premiers on Disney+, bringing the original cast’s performances to a global audience.
8. 2025: Current touring productions and Broadway continue with evolved casts across all roles.

What the 2020 Film Captures: What’s Clear and What Isn’t

Why the Original Cast Was Preserved for the Film

The decision to film the existing Broadway company rather than assemble new performers reflected the production’s belief that the original cast had achieved something irreplaceable. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Alexander Hamilton had evolved through hundreds of performances, with the actor understanding every nuance of the role’s demands. Filming preserved this accumulated mastery rather than attempting to recreate it.

Thomas Kail directed the production with awareness that these performers had developed their characters through collaborative refinement over months of sold-out shows. The camera work, rather than altering the staging, aimed to translate the live experience for film audiences. This approach required keeping the ensemble intact rather than recasting for cinematic purposes.

The film also benefited from the performers’ confidence in their roles, allowing natural spontaneity that might be absent from first-time rehearsals. Leslie Odom Jr.’s Aaron Burr and Renée Elise Goldsberry’s Angelica had reached a point of artistic security that showed in every gesture and vocal choice. The Disney+ release captured this confidence for audiences who would never attend a live performance.

Sources and Recognition

The 2020 Hamilton film received widespread recognition following its release. The production earned Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild nominations, highlighting both the cast’s performances and the innovative approach to adapting live theatre for film. The Wikipedia entry on the film provides detailed documentation of its production history and critical reception.

The film transforms a Broadway phenomenon into a cinematic experience that preserves the electricity of live performance while offering unprecedented access to the show’s original cast.

The production’s origins trace to Ron Chernow’s biography of Alexander Hamilton, which inspired Lin-Manuel Miranda to develop the concept album that eventually became the stage musical. Disney’s involvement as co-producer enabled the theatrical recording that became the film, with the pandemic accelerating the decision to release on streaming rather than waiting for theatrical distribution.

Summary

The Hamilton 2020 film captures the original Broadway cast as it performed in June 2016, offering viewers access to performances by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Leslie Odom Jr., Phillipa Soo, Renée Elise Goldsberry, and the full ensemble. Anthony Ramos portrays both John Laurens and Philip Hamilton, bringing emotional weight to the father-son narrative. The film deliberately preserves the cast as it existed at filming time, which explains why Emmy Raver-Lampman, who had departed before the recordings, does not appear despite her Broadway ensemble contribution. The production remains available through Disney+, where it introduced millions of new viewers to what many consider the definitive staging of the musical. For comparisons with other ensemble casts across entertainment, see the Cast of Brooklyn Nine-Nine – Actors, Characters and Seasons Guide and Cast of Fantastic Four 2015 – Actors and Their Roles.

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