Sunset Boulevard book writer and lyricist Christian Hampton is hopeful that an upcoming English National Opera production of the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical will finally make the jump to the silver screen, and bring with it, it's star – and star of the original Broadway production – Glenn Close.

Opening in 1994, the original Broadway production earned Tony Awards for Best Musical as well as Best Actress for Close, who starred as eccentric, former silent screen star Norma Desmond (though it should be noted that year saw only two nominees for each category).

Now, in anticipation of the upcoming English National Opera production (which is being co-presented by the GradeLinnit Company), Hampton is speaking out about what he hopes is just the beginning for the Spring revival.

"We are looking down the line to make a movie of it later," he told the Evening Standard. "When we first did Sunset Boulevard it was somehow still too close to the original. Now you have to ask yourself and find a director who would ask 'What is there about this story that was made so perfectly in 1950 that justified me doing it again?'"

As for Close's involvement: "It is not my decision but as far as I'm concerned that is what I'm thinking. We've just had a series of talks with Paramount so everything is in place and hopefully we can get it done while Glenn is in London."

The strictly limited run of 43 performances will begin at ENO's London Coliseum on April 1, 2016 with a final performance on May 7, 2016.