Leslie Odom Jr. Brings Hamilton Home: Documentary Chronicles Broadway Return
Leslie Odom Jr., the original Aaron Burr, is giving fans a front-row seat to his triumphant return to Hamilton. The Tony and Grammy Award winner revealed exclusively that a documentary crew followed him as he stepped back into the Broadway production, capturing a milestone 10 years in the making. The film is now being submitted to festivals this fall, with hopes of landing on a streaming service or in theaters.
Odom Jr. just wrapped a nine-week, sold-out run at London's Victoria Palace Theatre, making him the only original cast member from Lin-Manuel Miranda's Pulitzer Prize-winning musical to perform the role in the West End. The run was a celebration of both the show's 11th Broadway anniversary and Odom Jr.'s own birthday, which fell on August 6.
What is the Leslie Odom Jr. Hamilton documentary about?
The documentary captures Odom Jr. as he returns to the Broadway production of Hamilton a decade after the show's historic debut. It features intimate moments with his family, the new cast, and behind-the-scenes footage of his preparation for the role that made him a star.
“There was a little film crew that made a documentary about me going back into the show in New York, which will be out soon enough,” Odom Jr. said. “I'm pretty proud of it and the way it's coming together. Ten years is a special marker.”
The film does not have an official title yet, but the director's insight stuck with the actor: “We change far less in a year than we think, and in 10 years, we change more than we realize.”
Why is Odom Jr. returning to Hamilton now?
Odom Jr. says the return is about joy and gratitude. After a decade of growth, both personally and professionally, he approaches Aaron Burr with a new lightness and humor.
“I am in a more joyful space in my life, and the show is worth celebrating,” he explained. “It started out with a very small group of us that loved this show before anybody had even heard it, and now it has rang out around the world.”
That joy is evident on stage. Audiences at the Victoria Palace sang along, danced in their seats, and gave standing ovations night after night. “The people are as excited as I am, if not more,” Odom Jr. said of the West End crowds.
How does Odom Jr. make Aaron Burr a beloved character?
Odom Jr. credits Lin-Manuel Miranda's writing and his own willingness to be vulnerable. He refuses to judge Burr for his flaws, instead embracing his humanity.
“I don't judge him for his humanity. It's his ridiculousness, short-sightedness and willingness to be vulnerable,” Odom Jr. said. “My willingness to be despised and to be true led to this warm embrace that I get now all over the world.”
That lesson extends beyond the stage. “I can be more vulnerable and honest in my life. I will find people for whom that's okay. You can find your room, the places in this world where people might just applaud for it.”
Will the original Hamilton cast reunite?
Fans hoping for a full original cast reunion may be disappointed. With Academy Award winners and nominees in the lineup, scheduling is nearly impossible.
“The best we can hope for are these little step-in moments,” Odom Jr. said. He is looking forward to seeing Christopher Jackson reprise his role as George Washington on Broadway and even floated the idea of Anthony Ramos taking on Hamilton. “I think he would be insane. Wouldn't he be great?”
What's next for Leslie Odom Jr.?
Odom Jr. is far from done. He is preparing for his first-ever European concert tour, with Paris tickets selling out in 10 minutes. He also has a horror movie about Sammy Davis Jr. in the works.
“We want to build that relationship. We want to come back to Europe for Christmas,” he said. “This is just the beginning.”
For now, the documentary is his focus. “It's really beautiful. It's a beautiful time, a beautiful season, and somebody sat outside of it and put a frame around it,” he said. “They turned it into art.”