Will Ferrell is bringing his Netflix hit musical to new heights, with plans for a Broadway adaptation of Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga. The move marks another milestone for the celebrated comedian, whose vision for the production originated decades ago after he first discovered the European song contest through his wife.
Will Ferrell Expands His Broadway Journey with Eurovision Stage Show
Will Ferrell, known globally for his comedic talent and diverse work on screen and stage, has decided to take his 2020 Netflix musical to the heart of theater—Broadway. The original film saw Ferrell as Lars Erickssong, an Icelandic singer striving to win the Eurovision Song Contest, alongside Rachel McAdams, who played Sigrit Ericksdóttir, his musical partner and lifelong friend. Their quest to represent Iceland introduced audiences to the vibrant world of European competition, with the film’s song “Husavik” earning an Oscar nomination. Now, this story of friendship and dreams is poised for a live audience in New York’s theater district.
Reflecting on this new venture, Ferrell expressed his excitement.
“We are more than excited to bring Eurovision to Broadway,”
the actor said.
“The stage musical is a perfect place to continue our celebration of all the things we love about this amazing and unifying song competition.”
—Will Ferrell, Actor
Casting and Creative Team for the Broadway Adaptation
Ferrell will write the stage adaptation with longtime collaborator Harper Steele and writer Anthony King. Directing duties have been handed to Alex Timbers, with original music contributions from Savan Kotecha. Casting decisions and the opening timeline for the production are still under wraps. However, Timbers shared his enthusiasm for working with Ferrell and Steele after their film brought joy during difficult times.
“Will Ferrell and Harper Steele are my comedy heroes. And when I first saw their joyful movie ‘Eurovision’ during the pandemic, it buoyed spirits during a very dark time. With this stage adaptation, I can’t wait to bring that same mix of heart, spectacle, irreverence and awe to audiences across the world.”
—Alex Timbers, Director
How Will Ferrell Discovered Eurovision and Turned Inspiration Into Art
Long before Will Ferrell was preparing for Broadway, he made an impact on New York theater with his one-man show, You’re Welcome America: A Final Night With George W. Bush, which debuted in 2009 and set box office records at the Cort Theater. Ferrell’s ability to fuse humor and character work played a significant role in attracting audiences to his live performances.
The spark for Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga began in Sweden, where Ferrell was introduced to the event during a family visit in the late 1990s. He later recalled that evening as transformative for his creative process:
“We were visiting her family in Sweden and her cousin had asked us for dinner. It was in the month of May, and my wife asked, ‘Should we sit down and watch Eurovision?’ I said: ‘What is that?’ and she said, ‘You don’t know what Eurovision is?’ It was the night of the final, and I just sat there in front of the TV transfixed as to what was going on. I had no idea. I could not believe this amazing show, which just immediately turned on my comedy brain and I thought, ‘Somebody has to make a movie about this.’”
—Will Ferrell, Actor
The Story and Its Colorful Characters
In the Netflix film, a roster of dynamic characters fueled the story’s energy. Ferrell’s Lars Erickssong and McAdams’ Sigrit Ericksdóttir captured the heart of Iceland’s music dreamers, while Pierce Brosnan played Lars’ father, Erick Erickssong. Dan Stevens joined the cast as Alexander Lemtov, bringing another level of comedic flair to the competition’s drama. The film humorously explored the allure and pressure of international stardom, framed against the dazzling backdrop of the Eurovision Song Contest.
Potential Impact on Broadway and Live Musical Theater
Will Ferrell bringing Eurovision musical to Broadway signals not just a return but a vibrant transformation of his hit Netflix story. The project links the world of cinematic comedy and live performance, offering audiences a new way to engage with beloved characters and memorable music. Given the original film’s blend of heart, spectacle, and humor, theatergoers can expect an exuberant stage experience that celebrates both unity and creative rivalry.
With a team including writers Harper Steele and Anthony King, music from Savan Kotecha, and Alex Timbers directing, the Broadway show has generated anticipation even before casting announcements or opening dates. Fans, as well as the theater community, are eager to see how Ferrell’s unique vision of the iconic European song contest will play out onstage, potentially inspiring new audiences and continuing the comedic tradition of celebration and camaraderie that Eurovision embodies.
