Odds & Ends: Daveed Diggs Circling Julia Roberts Movie, Katharine McPhee & Megan Hilty's Smash Reunion & More

Here's a quick roundup of stories you may have missed from today and over the summer weekend.

Daveed Diggs Circling Julia Roberts Movie
Daveed Diggs is in demand. The Tony winner, who departed the megahit Hamilton on July 15, is in negotiations to star opposite Julia Roberts in new movie Wonder. Variety reports that Diggs would appear as an English teacher in the project, which is adapted from Raquel J. Palacio’s novel. Helmed by Stephen Chbosky and penned by Jack Thorne and Steve Conrad, the film will also star Jacob Tremblay, Owen Wilson and Tony winner Mandy Patinkin; Lionsgate has slated it for release on April 7, 2017. Meanwhile, Diggs has been tapped for Andy Samberg and Murray Miller’s next HBO mockumentary project, Tour de Pharmacy. According to TV Line, the limited series will address doping in the world of professional cycling and additionally feature Tony winner Phylicia Rashad.

Brian Stokes Mitchell & Andy Mientus Set for Ragtime
This lineup is simply jaw-dropping. Original Broadway cast member Brian Stokes Mitchell and stage fave Andy Mientus will join the previously reported Laura Michelle Kelly, Brandon Victor Dixon and more in Ragtime On Ellis Island. The site-specific developmental concert on August 8 will include a selection of songs from the tuner, which features music by Stephen Flaherty, lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and a book by Terrence McNally. Mitchell is set to narrate. Producers are aiming to mount an immersive, full production of the musical on Ellis Island next year.

Taye Diggs to Star in Fox's Empire
Good news for Taye Diggs, who was last seen on Broadway in Hedwig; the stage and screen star has landed a pivotal recurring role on Fox’s Empire. EW writes that the stage and screen star will take on the role of city councilman Angelo Dubois, who comes from a rich and respected Big Apple family. The drama is scheduled to make its season three bow on September 21.

Katharine McPhee & Megan Hilty's Smash Reunion
Katharine McPhee was in concert in L.A. on July 17; watch below as Broadway bombshell Megan Hilty joins her for a surprise rendition of "Let Me Be Your Star." We miss the drama, the laughter, the tears just like pearls of Smash, we really do.