EXCLUSIVE: Adele Banking on Box Office Bang — But Friends Fear Big-Headed Star is Rolling in Too Deep With Movie Plans
Adele eyes box office success with movie plans as friends fear the star is getting in too deep.
April 17 2026, Published 7:45 a.m. ET
Overconfident Adele's hotly anticipated acting debut in the big-screen adaptation of Anne Rice's Cry to Heaven is set to premiere this fall, but pals are urging her and fiancé Rich Paul to lower their way-too-high expectations, RadarOnline.com can reveal.
"They believe they can replicate what Lady Gaga has managed to pull off in the last few years, transforming herself into a viable Hollywood leading lady while losing not one iota of the mystique that powers her recording and live performing career," said an insider.
Adele Eyes Hollywood Move for Profit
An insider said Adele and Rich Paul view her acting debut in 'Cry to Heaven' as a strategic business move.
"But Adele getting into movies in a big way isn't some noble artistic quest – it's a business decision," said the insider, who added that the Rolling in the Deep songbird, 37, and Paul, a 45-year-old sports superagent, have been plotting the move for several years.
Adele announced she was temporarily stepping back from her music career after her two-year Las Vegas residency ended in November 2024.
"I don't have any plans for new music, at all," she said at the time. "I want a big break after this, and I think I want to do other creative things, just for a little while." The Hello singer has lain low ever since.
Tom Ford is directing 'Cry to Heaven,' marking another film project after his transition from Gucci designer to filmmaker.
Cry to Heaven is being directed by Tom Ford, who also made a dramatic career change, from fashion designer for Gucci to award-winning director of films, including A Single Man.
The movie, which is set in 18th-century Italy and costars Nicholas Hoult and Aaron Taylor-Johnson, is about two boys who are castrated to ensure they retain their perfect soprano voices as adults.
Adele Risks Reputation on Film Debut
Never Miss an
Daily updates from the heart of Hollywood, right to your inbox
By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you’re agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Sources said Adele is aiming to follow Lady Gaga's path in Hollywood with her upcoming role in 'Cry to Heaven.'
"Time will tell if Adele's acting skills are up to the challenge," said the insider. "This movie is a crap shoot, but she has Rich in her corner, and she has her famous confidence to help her power through the process."
Despite the possibility that the movie could be a debacle like the Mariah Carey vehicle Glitter, Adele is willing to risk her reputation on her big-screen debut being a big success, said the source.
"That alone wins her points and sets her apart from the other pop divas she competes with," shared the source.
