Adele is preparing to step into an entirely new spotlight, trading the concert stage for the world of Hollywood. The Grammy-winning singer is venturing into filmmaking with Tom Ford’s upcoming period drama Cry to Heaven, a project that brings together an impressive ensemble of Hollywood talent against the opulent backdrop of 18th-century Italy. For an artist whose career has been defined by one of the most recognizable voices in contemporary music, this next chapter marks a particularly intriguing creative turn.

The film marks Ford’s return to feature filmmaking after Nocturnal Animals in 2016. Principal photography began in January 2026, and filming has since wrapped, with the release now expected in 2027.

Adele is leaving her signature vocals out of her Hollywood debut, per The Times, as the singer will not be performing in Tom Ford’s upcoming film Cry to Heaven. The decision marks an interesting departure for an artist whose voice has been central to some of cinema’s most memorable musical moments, including the Oscar-winning James Bond theme Skyfall. After stepping away from touring, the Grammy winner is exploring another creative avenue, although she is not ready to turn her acting debut into a musical showcase. 

 As per The Times, she has also reportedly turned down opportunities involving musical productions, preferring not to take the most predictable route into acting. Her earlier comments about being offered singer biopics, which she considered too obvious, offer another glimpse into why she might want a role that challenges audience expectations.

There is a longer history behind this creative detour, too. Adele previously expressed interest in acting after working with filmmaker Xavier Dolan on the music videos for ‘Hello’ and ‘Easy on Me’. 

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But while Hollywood gets a new side of Adele, music fans have another question waiting in the wings. Her extended break has done little to quiet speculation about what could eventually follow her last studio album, '30'.

Adele's last album arrived in November 2021, with '30' becoming one of her most personal releases, exploring heartbreak, motherhood and the emotional aftermath of her divorce from Simon Konecki. Following the conclusion of her Las Vegas residency in November 2024 and her subsequent Munich performances, the singer announced that she wanted an extended break from music. Now, reports from The Scottish Sun suggest that a fifth album could be taking shape, potentially under the working title '39', with a summer 2027 release being discussed. 

The reported material could explore Adele's complicated relationship with fame, personal insecurities, romantic happiness and her London upbringing. Her early track 'Hometown Glory' established how strongly the city influenced her songwriting, making the possibility of revisiting those roots particularly interesting. However, there is an important caveat: Adele's management has denied reports of recording sessions with Epworth, and no new album has been officially announced.

Whether Adele returns to the recording studio or continues exploring cinema, her next career chapter is taking shape beyond the familiar concert stage. 

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Would you like to see her pursue more acting roles after Cry to Heaven? Share your thoughts in the comments.