Focus Features has announced the casting of Maya da Costa and Myra Molloy in its upcoming film adaptation of Hayley Kiyoko’s celebrated 2015 music video “Girls Like Girls.” The project, which marks Kiyoko’s directorial debut, expands on the emotional depth of the original video that gained widespread attention and now boasts over 159 million views. Originally released a decade ago, the music video explores the evolving relationship between two young women as they confront their feelings for one another. Kiyoko later adapted the story into a novel in 2023, with Stefanie Scott—star of the original video—co-writing the screenplay. The production brings together notable producers from Marc Platt Productions and BuzzFeed Studios, setting the stage for a compelling cinematic experience.

The film centers around two teenage girls whose friendship begins to transform into something more profound than either anticipated. Set against a backdrop of personal discovery, the narrative delves into themes of identity, emotion, and acceptance. The original music video resonated deeply with audiences when it first launched, praised for its authentic portrayal of same-sex relationships and emotional vulnerability. By adapting this visual story into both a literary format and now a feature film, Kiyoko aims to expand the narrative universe and offer a deeper exploration of the characters’ inner worlds.

The production team behind the project includes industry veterans who have worked on critically acclaimed and commercially successful ventures. Leading the charge under Marc Platt Productions are Marc Platt, Katie McNicol, Adam Siegel, and Dee Best, known for their work on major films such as “La La Land” and “Wicked.” Michael Philip and Jason Moring bring additional expertise to the table, while Richard Alan Reid from BuzzFeed Studios adds a digital media perspective. This collaboration highlights the intersection of traditional filmmaking and modern storytelling platforms, aiming to reach both cinema-goers and online audiences alike.

Maya da Costa, cast in a leading role, has previously demonstrated her acting range through her performance in Hulu’s true crime series “Under the Bridge,” where she played a pivotal part in the storyline. Her involvement in this new project signals a shift toward more emotionally layered roles. Meanwhile, Myra Molloy brings both screen and stage experience, having appeared in Netflix’s “He’s All That” and most recently portraying Eurydice in the Broadway hit “Hadestown.” Both actresses are represented by top-tier agencies, indicating high expectations for their performances and future careers.

This film represents a significant milestone not only for Hayley Kiyoko making her debut as a feature director but also for the broader representation of LGBTQ+ narratives in mainstream cinema. With a strong foundation built from a viral music video and further developed through literature and now film, “Girls Like Girls” is poised to become a culturally resonant piece. As the production moves forward, anticipation grows around how this intimate story will be translated onto the big screen, promising to connect with audiences on an emotional level while pushing creative boundaries in contemporary filmmaking.