This summer, nearly a decade after La La Land swept audiences off their feet and won six Academy Awards, the beloved modern musical returns with a dazzling sequel:
Old vs New:
City of Stars: A La La Land Story. Directed by Academy Award® winner Damien Chazelle and starring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, this highly anticipated follow-up promises to reignite the magic, music, and heartbreak that made the original a cultural phenomenon.
Set five years after the bittersweet ending of La La Land, City of Stars: A La La Land Story explores the lives of Sebastian (Gosling) and Mia (Stone) as they navigate new dreams,
old loves, and the ever-changing city of Los Angeles. The film introduces a fresh chapter in their story, one that asks: Can the music of the past ever truly fade, or does it linger, waiting for a second chance?
Joining the cast are rising star Florence Pugh (Oppenheimer, Little Women) as a young, ambitious jazz singer who becomes entangled in Sebastian’s world, and Emmy winner Jeremy Allen White (The Bear) as a screenwriter who challenges Mia’s vision of success.
The film also features a special appearance by John Legend, reprising his role as Keith, and introduces Grammy-winning artist Billie Eilish in her acting debut as a mysterious musician who inspires both Sebastian and Mia in unexpected ways.
A Story of Second Chances
City of Stars: A La La Land Story picks up with Sebastian running a thriving jazz club in downtown Los Angeles, a dream he once thought was out of reach. But as the pressures of success mount, he begins to question whether he’s truly fulfilled. Meanwhile, Mia has become a celebrated actress and filmmaker, but her personal life feels increasingly hollow. When a chance encounter brings them back into each other’s orbit, the two must confront the choices they made and the dreams they left behind.
The film’s narrative is deeply rooted in the themes of love, ambition, and the passage of time, with Chazelle once again blending the fantastical and the real. “This is a story about what happens when the stars align again,” Chazelle explains. “It’s about rediscovering the magic of the past while embracing the uncertainty of the future.”
A Visual and Musical Spectacle
Chazelle reunites with composer Justin Hurwitz, whose original score for La La Land became iconic. The sequel’s soundtrack promises to be just as unforgettable, featuring a mix of sweeping orchestral pieces, intimate ballads, and electrifying jazz numbers. The film’s centerpiece is a breathtaking duet between Gosling and Stone, set against the backdrop of a starry Los Angeles night, which Chazelle describes as “a love letter to the city and to the power of music.”
Visually, the film builds on the dreamy aesthetic of the original, with cinematographer Linus Sandgren (First Man) returning to craft a world that feels both timeless and modern. From the glowing lights of the Griffith Observatory to the bustling streets of downtown LA, every frame is designed to transport audiences into a world where anything feels possible.
A Stellar Team
City of Stars: A La La Land Story is written by Chazelle and Adele Lim (Crazy Rich Asians), blending heartfelt dialogue with moments of magical realism. The film is produced by Netflix Originals, marking the streaming giant’s first major foray into the world of original musicals. “We wanted to create something that feels both intimate and epic,” says producer Marc Platt, who also worked on the original film. “This is a story for anyone who’s ever chased a dream or wondered what might have been.”
The film’s supporting cast includes J.K. Simmons (Whiplash), reprising his role as Sebastian’s former boss, and Zoë Kravitz (The Batman) as a rival club owner with her own ambitions. The ensemble is rounded out by newcomers like Noah Jupe (A Quiet Place) and Rachel Zegler (West Side Story), who play aspiring artists inspired by Sebastian and Mia’s journeys.
A Summer to Remember
With its lush visuals, unforgettable music, and a story that tugs at the heartstrings, City of Stars: A La La Land Story is poised to be one of the most talked-about films of the year. Fans of the original will find plenty to love, while newcomers will be swept away by the film’s universal themes and timeless charm.
As the tagline says: “The music never fades, the dreams never die.”
City of Stars: A La La Land Story premieres exclusively on Netflix this summer. Prepare to fall in love all over again.
