Starting next year in New York, Lin-Manuel Miranda's and Eisa Davis' latest Broadway musical, Warriors, will premiere at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre. From its first iteration as a 1960s novel inspired by Greek mythology to its transformation into a cult-classic action film, and then a hit video game from the creators of Grand Theft Auto, this gripping story has taken on a life of its own. Now, it's heading to the Broadway stage, with Miranda and Eisa Davis reimagining the iconic tale for the stage. Let's take a look at the evolution of The Warriors and its many forms, including the new show!

The Book: From Ancient Greece to the Streets of New York

Like many acclaimed movies, it all started with a book. The original novel The Warriors was written by author Sol Yurick and released in 1965. Inspired by the ancient Greek tale Anabasis by Xenophon, it tells the story of an army fighting its way home into the gritty urban streets of New York City. Yurick drew on his own experiences of when he worked for the New York Department of Welfare, using the book to paint a brutal yet real portrait of lives of NYC youths, exploring how gang loyalty was a survival tool.

The Movie: How The Warriors Became a Cult Classic

Based on Sol Yurick's 1965 novel, the film adaption was directed by Walter Hill and saw cinematic release in 1979. Sticking closely to the plot of the original text, the action thriller follows a New York Street gang as they make a treacherous journey home after being falsely accused of the brutal murder of a notorious gang leader.

Starring Michael Beck, the film transformed Yurick's social commentary into a comic-book-esque adventure, featuring distinctive stylised rival gangs, and a great soundtrack. Upon release, the film became slightly notorious for violence breaking out at cinema screenings. Over the past 40+ years, The Warriors has become a cult classic movie due to its unique stylings.

The Video Game: Rockstar Games Brings The Warriors to Life

Released in 2005 based on the 1979 cult classic film - Rockstar Games' The Warriors was a violent beat-em-up video game. Made by the creators of the Grand Theft Auto series, the game followed a similar narrative to the movie, but additionally exploring the origins and rise of the gangs.

The Album: Lin-Manuel Miranda Reimagines The Warriors

In 2024, Lin-Manuel and Eisa Davis released a 26 track concept album inspired by the story of The Warriors. Similar to Hamilton, the sound of the album combined musical theatre and hip-hop, but this time with the addition of a punk attitude. Featuring an all-star tracklist including Busta Rhymes, Lauryn Hill and Ghostface Killer, the album was praised for its creative take on the gritty gang movie.

The Musical: From Concept Album to Broadway Stage

This new Broadway show is built around the 2024 concept album by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Eisa Davis. Taking these incredible tracks and placing them where they deserve to be - on a Broadway stage.

Lin-Manuel Miranda and Eisa Davis released the following statement upon the announcement:

"With Warriors, we take a fateful journey through New York City full of heart and grit as our characters fight to survive."

"Musicalizing such a vibrant world for the concept album has been a thrill, and now we're coming out to play on Broadway at the Lunt-Fontanne. We can't wait."

The production is set to star Jasmine Cephas Jones, Amber Gray, Casey Likes, Sasha Allen and Aneesa Folds as the principal cast.


Warriors is now on sale, head over to our New York City site to purchase tickets before they're gone!