At the time that Lin-Manuel Miranda was pitching "In the Heights" as a Broadway musical, "West Side Story" was really the only musical about Latinx individuals. When Miranda explained that Nina, the young female protagonist, drops out of Standford because of the pressures of being the first in her family to go to college, everyone wanted a "better" reason. They had "West Side Story" on the brain. They thought Nina should be pregnant, in a gang, or coming out of an abusive relationship, among other pitches. Miranda refused these pitches and stood his ground.
Lin-Manuel Miranda wanted to create a musical that stems from his memories growing up in Washington Heights. He wanted to change the fact that there were limited roles for Latinx on Broadway. He succeeded. "In the Heights" opened on Broadway in 2008, won four Tonys, launched Miranda's career, and advertised the reality of Latinx communities and lives. "In the Heights" doesn't rely on stereotypical portrayals of Latinx as drug dealers or gang members. The musical showcases everyday individuals living their lives, connecting with friends and family, and finding peace and happiness throughout their struggles.
If this film had been made years ago, it most likely would have been marketed as a niche cultural film for Latinos and Latinos only. Now, it is a major blockbuster with a $55 million budget with well-known "Crazy Rich Asians" director Jon M. Chu on the team. Now that "In the Heights" is a film, the progression of Latinx representation in media is extended from the stage to the screen. Source: Variety Magazine.