A Reimagined Warriors: Lin-Manuel Miranda Brings NYC Gang Thriller to Life

Think back to your favorite childhood movies. Chances are, "The Warriors, " a gritty 1979 thriller about New York City gang battles, wasn't on the list. But for Lin-Manuel Miranda, creator of the smash-hit musical "Hamilton, " this cult classic left a deep impression. Inspired by Sol Yurick's novel, the film tells the hair-raising journey of a Coney Island clan falsely accused of killing a city gang leader. Fast forward 40 years, and Miranda, teaming up with playwright Eisa Davis, has transformed this story into a musical concept album. Miranda first encountered the film as a four-year-old, sneaking a peek thanks to a friend's older brother with a VHS tape. The nefarious atmosphere of the movie, with its depiction of New York's dark side, captivated his imagination. "Every fear you're supposed to have as a New Yorker, " he recalls, "from falling into train tracks to encountering the wrong cop at the wrong time. " The original film, scored with a rock soundtrack, was adapted from Yurick's novel, itself influenced by Xenophon's ancient epic "Anabasis. " Miranda and Davis drew inspiration from similar musicals like "Jesus Christ Superstar" and "The Who's Tommy, " which were released as albums before hitting the stage. For their album, they compiled playlists evoking the sound of a Warriors musical, featuring artists like Roy Ayers, Cardi B, and Lauryn Hill. One of the standout changes in Miranda's version is making all the Warriors female, inspired by the misogyny seen in the Gamergate incident. This decision transforms the story into a tale of sisterly solidarity, with the Warriors reclaiming the night. The album is executive-produced by Nas, who has a deep affection for the original film. Davis, who had never seen the movie before collaborating with Miranda, was drawn to Cyrus's truce proposal at the beginning of the film, a moment of unity swept away as the action intensifies. She sees the album as a love letter to the origins of hip-hop, reflecting the cultural shift from gang wars to creative battles among crews. The album begins with "Survive the Night, " featuring dancehall star Shenseea as a DJ introducing New York's five boroughs, each represented by top rappers. Miranda admits that writing verses for these legendary writers was intimidating. The project brought together former Hamilton stars and other talented musicians, creating a unique blend of genres from ska to punk to R&B. The Warriors has a devoted cult following, with fans even running a marathon tracing the gang's route through the city. Miranda and Davis took a daytime tour of the film's locations, from parks to subway stations to streets. The big question remains: will the Warriors hit the stage? For now, fans can enjoy the unique musical experience Miranda and Davis have created.