News

Pharrell Williams and Michel Gondry’s coming-of-age musical film now has name and a theatrical release date: Atlantis, and it’s out on May 9, 2025.

Variety revealed the release date for the film on Thursday, several months after breaking the news that Missy Elliott is also tied to the project. The Universal Pictures film is set to feature a massive, star-studded cast that also includes Halle Bailey and Da’Vine Joy Randolph in lead roles. Anderson .Paak, Janelle Monáe, Tim Meadows, Jayson Brian Tyree Henry, Jaboukie Young-White, and Kelvin Harrison Jr will also appear in the film.

Michel Gondry and Pharrell Williams are headed for Atlantis.

That’s the official title of their upcoming high-profile musical for Universal that will theaters on May 9, 2025, the studio revealed Thursday.

Universal also announced that the film will feature songs by Williams and by the Tony-, Oscar- and Grammy-winning team of Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (The Greatest Showman, La La Land).

The coming-of-age story is set in Virginia Beach during the summer of 1977 and is inspired by the Atlantis Apartments, the neighborhood where Williams grew up. Gondry (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, The Science of Sleep) is directing from a script by Martin Hynes and Steven Levenson.

The previously revealed star-studded cast includes Janelle Monáe, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Halle Bailey, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Brian Tyree Henry, Missy Elliott, Tim Meadows, Jayson Lee, Anderson .Paak, HeJayson Lee, Jamilah Rosemond and Jaboukie Young-White.

Atlantis is produced by Williams, Emmy winner Mimi Valdés (Hidden Figures,...

Universal has dated the Pharrell Williams-Michel Gondry musical feature Atlantis for May 9, 2025.

The pic is based on Williams’ childhood at the Virginia Beach Atlantis Apartments during the summer of 1977.

Piece by Piece, the Focus Features biopic about Williams told through Lego animation and directed by Morgan Neville, is making its world premiere at Telluride this week.

Atlantis is directed by Gondry from a screenplay by Martin Hynes (Toy Story 4) and the Tony award winning writer of Broadway’s Dear Evan Hansen and the film adaptation of Jonathan Larson’s tick, tick … Boom!, Steven Levenson. Williams penned the songs along with near Egot-winning Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. Williams produces with Emmy winner Mimi Valdés (EP of Hidden Figures and the series Harlem) and two-time Best Picture Oscar nominee Gil Netter.

EPs are Matthew Hirsch, Raffi Adlan, Jennie Lee, Shani Saxon, Michael Mayer,...

Pharrell Williams and Michel Gondry’s star-studded musical film now has its title and release date. Universal Pictures will release “Atlantis” wide on May 9, 2025.

While plot details remain under wraps, the film is described as an expedition into the summer of 1977 in the Virginia Beach neighborhood inspired by the Atlantis Apartments of Williams’ childhood.

The all-star cast includes Kelvin Harrison Jr., Halle Bailey, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Brian Tyree Henry, Quinta Brunson, Anderson .Paak, Janelle Monáe, Tim Meadows, Jayson Lee, Jamilah Rosemond, Jaboukie Young-White and Missy Elliott.

Academy Award-winning “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” and “The Science of Sleep” filmmaker Gondry directs a screenplay by Martin Hynes (“Toy Story 4″) and Steven Levenson.

The coming-of-age film features songs by Williams and the decorated musical duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. “Atlantis” is produced by Williams, Mimi Valdés and Gil Netter.

The film is executive produced by Matthew Hirsch, Raffi Adlan, Jennie Lee,...

Exclusive: Universal Pictures’ untitled coming-of-age musical from director Michel Gondry and producer Pharrell Williams has two new additions, the studio announced on Wednesday: Quinta Brunson, the creator and star of hit ABC comedy Abbott Elementary, and eight-time Grammy winner Anderson .Paak.

No character details have been disclosed. Set in Virginia Beach in the summer of 1977, the film pays homage to the neighborhood where Williams grew up, and its Atlantis Apartments, in particular.

As previously announced, Kelvin Harrison Jr. leads an ensemble that also includes Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Halle Bailey, Brian Tyree Henry, Missy Elliott, Janelle Monáe, Tim Meadows, Jaboukie Young-White, Jamilah Rosemond and Jayson Lee.

Written by Martin Hynes and Steven Levenson, the film’s being produced by Williams and Mimi Valdés for i am Other, as well as Gil Netter for Netter Films. Universal’s Senior Vice President of Production Development Ryan Jones and Director of Production Development Christine Sun...

Exclusive: Universal Pictures has rounded out the cast of its coming-of-age musical teaming director Michel Gondry and producer Pharrell Williams with four additions: Tim Meadows (Dream Scenario), Jaboukie Young-White (C’mon C’mon), Jamilah Rosemond (Rustin) and Jayson Lee (61st Street).

Details as to the roles of the newcomers are under wraps, as all roles so far have been. Set in Virginia Beach in the summer of 1977, the untitled film is inspired by the neighborhood where Williams grew up, and its Atlantis Apartments, in particular.

Kelvin Harrison Jr. leads an ensemble that also includes Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Halle Bailey, Brian Tyree Henry, Missy Elliott, and Janelle Monáe.

Written by Martin Hynes and Steven Levenson, the musical will be produced by Williams and Mimi Valdés for i am Other, as well as Gil Netter for Gil Netter Productions. Universal’s Senior Vice President of Production Development Ryan Jones and Director of...

Janelle Monáe has been added to the ever-growing cast of Pharrell Williams’ currently untitled musical project at Universal.

Monáe joins the previously announced cast of Kelvin Harrison Jr., Halle Bailey, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Oscar nominee Brian Tyree Henry and Missy Elliott on the project.

Said to be a coming-of-age musical set in Virginia Beach in the summer of 1977, inspired by Atlantis Apartments, Williams’ childhood neighbourhood. Bailey will co-star opposite Kelvin Harrison Jr. and join Oscar-winner Da’Vine Joy Randolph in the feature.

Also in news – Ed Harris & Margaret Qualley join cast of thriller ‘Huntington’

Michel Gondry is set to direct the project based on a script by Martin Hynes and Steven Levenson.

Williams and Mimi Valdés will produce through i am Other and Gil Netter will produce through Gil Netter Productions.

Monáe’s film credits include ‘Moonlight,’ ‘Lady and the Tramp,’ ‘Harriet,’ ‘The Glorias’ and ‘Antebellum and ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery...

Janelle Monáe is set to join the cast of Universal Pictures’ untitled Pharrell Williams and Michel Gondry musical project.

The singer and actor joins Kelvin Harrison Jr., Halle Bailey, Oscar winner Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Oscar nominee Brian Tyree Henry and Missy Elliott in the film.

The project is described as a coming-of-age musical set during the summer of 1977 in Virginia Beach, inspired by the Atlantis Apartments, Williams’ childhood neighborhood.

Gondry is set to direct the project based on a script by Martin Hynes and Steven Levenson.

Williams and Mimi Valdés will produce through i am Other and Gil Netter will produce through Gil Netter Productions.

Universal’s Senior VP of Production Development Ryan Jones and Director of Production Development Christine Sun will oversee the project for the studio.

Monáe’s film credits include “Moonlight,” “Lady and the Tramp,” “Harriet,” “The Glorias” and “Antebellum.”

For her role in 2017’s “Hidden Figures,...

The high-profile cast for Universal Pictures’ forthcoming musical from Michel Gondry and Pharrell Williams has just been kicked up an octave with the addition of Janelle Monáe.

Monáe has signed on to join the cast of the coming-of-age period feature that is currently untitled. The film’s previously confirmed castmembers include Kelvin Harrison Jr., Halle Bailey, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Brian Tyree Henry and Missy Elliott.

The project is set in Virginia Beach during the summer of 1977 and inspired by Atlantis Apartments, the neighborhood where Williams grew up. Gondry directs the musical from a script by Martin Hynes and Steven Levenson.

Producers include Williams and Mimi Valdés for I Am Other, alongside Gil Netter for Gil Netter Productions. Overseeing the movie for Universal are senior vp of production development Ryan Jones and director of production development Christine Sun.

Monáe’s previous film credits include Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, Antebellum,...

10x Grammy nominee Janelle Monáe (Glass Onion) has found her newest film role in Universal Pictures’ coming-of-age musical from director Michel Gondry and producer Pharrell Williams, the studio announced on Thursday.

Details as to her role in the untitled feature project haven’t been disclosed. Set in Virginia Beach in the summer of 1977, the film is inspired by the neighborhood where Williams grew up, and its Atlantis Apartments, in particular.

Kelvin Harrison Jr. leads an ensemble that also includes The Holdovers Oscar winner Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Halle Bailey, Oscar nominee Brian Tyree Henry, and Grammy winner Missy Elliott.

Written by Martin Hynes and Steven Levenson, the film will be produced by Williams and Mimi Valdés for i am Other, as well as Gil Netter for Gil Netter Productions. Universal’s Senior Vice President of Production Development Ryan Jones and Director of Production Development Christine Sun are overseeing the project for the studio.

Missy Elliot has joined the cast of Pharrell Williams and Michel Gondry’s upcoming film project, Variety reports.

The rapper is an apt addition to the project, which has been described as a coming-of-age musical set during the summer of 1977 in Virginia Beach in a neighborhood like the one where Pharrell grew up. Missy was born and raised not far away in Portsmouth, and the two came up in a bustling Hampton Roads hip-hop scene that also produced artists like Timbaland, Clipse, and Magoo.

Missy joins an already stacked cast that also includes Halle Bailey,...

Grammy-winning hip-hop and R&b artist Missy Elliott has been tapped for a role in director Michel Gondry and producer Pharrell Williams’ new, untitled feature for Universal Pictures.

Details as to her role are under wraps, as are all roles so far. Set in Virginia Beach in the summer of 1977, the film is described as a coming-of-age musical inspired by the city’s Atlantis Apartments and the neighborhood where Williams grew up.

As previously announced, Kelvin Harrison Jr. leads an ensemble that also includes The Holdovers Oscar winner Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Halle Bailey, and Oscar nominee Brian Tyree Henry. Written by Martin Hynes and Steven Levenson, the film will be produced by Williams and Mimi Valdés for i am Other, as well as Gil Netter for Gil Netter Productions. Universal’s Senior Vice President of Production Development Ryan Jones and Director of Production Development Christine Sun are overseeing the project for the studio.

‘Bullet Train’ actor Brian Tyree Henry has joined the cast of Pharrell Williams’ currently untitled movie musical at Universal.

Said to be a coming-of-age musical set in Virginia Beach in the summer of 1977, inspired by Atlantis Apartments, Williams’ childhood neighbourhood. Bailey will co-star opposite Kelvin Harrison Jr. and join Oscar-winner Da’Vine Joy Randolph in the feature.

Michel Gondry is set to direct the project based on a script by Martin Hynes and Steven Levenson.

Also in news – Thandiwe Newton joins cast of ‘Wednesday’ season 2

Williams and Mimi Valdés will produce through i am Other and Gil Netter will produce through Gil Netter Productions.

Henry most recently starred in ‘Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire’ and the FX drama thriller series ‘Class of ’09’ alongside Kate Mara. He is next set to lend his voice to the animated prequel ‘Transformers One’ and feature in the sports drama ‘The Fire Inside’.

The...

Brian Tyree Henry (Causeway, Bullet Train) is set to join Pharrell Williams and Michel Gondry’s untitled musical for Universal Pictures inspired by Williams’ formative years growing up in Virginia Beach in the 1970s.

Henry, an Oscar, Emmy and Tony award nominee, has recent credits like Warner Brothers’ Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, Causeway, for which he earned an Academy Award nomination, and Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse. He also co-starred in Atlanta as Alfred Miles and appeared in If Beale Street Could Talk as the character Daniel Carty.

His upcoming projects include Amazon/MGM’s The Fire Inside, written by Barry Jenkins, and Paramount’s animated film Transformers One. Henry is also set to star in the Apple TV+ series Sinking Spring from director Ridley Scott.

In live theater, Henry originated the role of The General in the Broadway musical The Book of Mormon, and in 2018 he returned to...

Brian Tyree Henry has joined the cast of Universal’s untitled Pharrell Williams and Michel Gondry musical project.

The Oscar, Emmy and Tony nominee joins Kelvin Harrison Jr., Halle Bailey and Oscar winner Da’Vine Joy Randolph in the coming-of-age musical, set in the summer of 1977 at Virginia Beach and inspired by Atlantis Apartments, Williams’ childhood neighborhood.

Gondry is set to direct the project based on a script by Martin Hynes and Steven Levenson. Williams and Mimi Valdés will produce through I Am Other and Gil Netter will produce through Gil Netter Productions.

Universal’s senior vice president of production development Ryan Jones and Christine Sun, director of production development, will oversee the project for the studio.

Henry starred on Donald Glover’s acclaimed series “Atlanta” for four seasons as Alfred “Paper Boi” Miles, earning an Emmy nomination for his performance. He also scored a supporting actor Oscar nomination for the 2022 film “Causeway” opposite Jennifer Lawrence.

Brian Tyree Henry (Causeway) has signed on to star alongside Kelvin Harrison Jr., Da’Vine Joy Randolph and Halle Bailey in Universal’s untitled coming-of-age musical from director Michel Gondry and producer Pharrell Williams.

No word yet on the role Henry will be playing. Written by Martin Hynes and Steven Levenson, the film set in 1977 Virginia Beach draws inspiration from Williams’ childhood growing up in the city’s Atlantis Apartments.

Williams and Mimi Valdés will produce through i am Other, alongside Gil Netter for Gil Netter Productions. Universal’s Senior Vice President of Production Development Ryan Jones and Director of Production Development Christine Sun are overseeing the project for the studio.

Most recently reprising his role as Apex Cybernetics technician turned whistleblower Bernie Hayes in Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, Henry prior to that starred in FX’s Class of ’09, having broken out with his starring role on the network...

Live-action ‘The Little Mermaid’ star, Halle Bailey has been cast in Pharrell Williams and Michel Gondry’s upcoming untitled project.

Said to be a coming-of-age musical set in Virginia Beach in the summer of 1977, inspired by Atlantis Apartments, Williams’ childhood neighbourhood. Bailey will co-star opposite Kelvin Harrison Jr. and join Oscar-winner Da’Vine Joy Randolph in the feature.

Also in news – Sharlto Copley, James Purefoy & Danny Woodburn join season 4 of ‘The Witcher’

Michel Gondry is set to direct the project based on a script by Martin Hynes and Steven Levenson.

Williams and Mimi Valdés will produce through i am Other and Gil Netter will produce through Gil Netter Productions.

Most recently, Bailey starred in the reimagining of ‘The Color Purple’ alongside Fantasia Barrino, Danielle Brooks and Taraji P. Henson. On TV, she starred in ‘Black-ish’ spinoff ‘Grown-ish’ for four seasons.

The post Halle Bailey cast in Pharrell Williams untitled project appeared first on HeyUGuys.

Halle Bailey has been cast in the Universal musical inspired by Pharrell Williams.The 24-year-old star joins Da'Vine Joy Randolph and Kelvin Harrison Jr. in the untitled coming-of-age movie that is being directed by Michel Gondry.The film is set in the summer of 1977 at Virginia Beach and takes inspiration from Williams' childhood neighbourhood of Atlantis Apartments.Gondry is directing from a script by Martin Hynes and Steven Levenson with Pharrell, Mimi Valdes and Gil Netter all serving as producers.Halle played the lead role in the live-action remake of 'The Little Mermaid' last year and valued the cultural impact of being the first black actress to star as Ariel.She told Deadline at the film's premiere: "This moment means everything to me, I'm so grateful to be here. "I just feel really honoured and I'm happy the day has finally come where we can all watch it."Bailey's...

Halle Bailey, who played Ariel in The Little Mermaid and Young Nettie in The Color Purple, has joined the cast of the upcoming, as-yet-untitled collaboration between Pharrell Williams and filmmaker Michel Gondry.

The cast currently includes Kelvin Harrison Jr. and Da’Vine Joy Randolph, according to Variety. The musical will take place in Virginia Beach, a setting meant to evoke the Atlantis Apartments, the neighborhood where Williams grew up, in the summer of 1977.

Gondry, who directed Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, will helm the production. The screenwriters are Martin Hynes...

Halle Bailey is joining Universal Pictures’ untitled Pharrell Williams and Michel Gondry movie!

The 24-year-old The Little Mermaid star will co-star opposite Kelvin Harrison Jr. in the movie, via Variety.

The two will join Oscar winner Da’Vine Joy Randolph in the coming-of-age musical set in the summer of 1977 Virginia Beach inspired by Atlantis Apartments, Pharrell‘s childhood neighborhood.

Keep reading to find out more…

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind director Michel Gondry will direct the project based on a script by Martin Hynes and Steven Levenson. Further plot details and character roles have not yet been revealed.

Halle Bailey also just reacted to the teaser for Disney Junior’s new “Ariel” series inspired by her The Little Mermaid. Find out what she said!

Halle Bailey is following up her turns in movie musicals The Little Mermaid and The Color Purple with another feature in the genre. She has signed on to join the cast of the Universal musical from Michel Gondry and superstar Pharrell Williams.

Bailey will join Oscar winner Da’Vine Joy Randolph and Kelvin Harrison Jr. in the coming-of-age period feature.

The project, which will be directed by Gondry, is set in the summer of 1977 at Virginia Beach and is inspired by Atlantis Apartments, Williams’ childhood neighborhood. Martin Hynes (Toy Story 4) and Steven Levenson (Tick, Tick…Boom!) are penning the screenplay.

Williams and Mimi Valdés will produce through their I Am Other banner, along with Gil Netter via Gil Netter Productions. Universal’s Ryan Jones and Christine Sun will oversee the project for the studio.

Bailey, repped by CAA, was last seen in Color Purple, which was released at the end...

Halle Bailey is set to join Universal Pictures’ untitled Pharrell Williams and Michel Gondry project.

Bailey will co-star opposite Kelvin Harrison Jr. and join newly minted Oscar winner Da’Vine Joy Randolph in this coming-of-age musical set in Virginia Beach in the summer of 1977, inspired by Atlantis Apartments, Williams’ childhood neighborhood.

Michel Gondry is set to direct the project based on a script by Martin Hynes and Steven Levenson.

Williams and Mimi Valdés will produce through i am Other and Gil Netter will produce through Gil Netter Productions.

Universal’s senior vice president of production development, Ryan Jones, and director of production development, Christine Sun, will oversee the project for the studio.

In 2023, Bailey led Disney’s live-action adaptation of “The Little Mermaid” alongside Melissa McCarthy. Variety‘s Peter Debruge praised her performance, writing in his review, “Halle Bailey is all the reason that any audience should need to justify Disney revisiting this classic.

Halle Bailey (The Color Purple) has been tapped to star alongside Kelvin Harrison Jr. and The Holdovers Oscar winner Da’Vine Joy Randolph in Universal Pictures’ untitled coming-of-age pic from director Michel Gondry (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind) and producer Pharrell Williams (Hidden Figures), Deadline has learned.

Details as to Bailey’s role are under wraps. A musical set in 1977 Virginia Beach, the film draws inspiration from Williams’ childhood growing up in the city’s Atlantis Apartments.

Script for the film is from Martin Hynes (Toy Story 4) and Steven Levenson. Williams and Mimi Valdés will produce through i am Other, alongside Gil Netter for Gil Netter Productions. Universal’s Senior Vice President of Production Development Ryan Jones and Director of Production Development Christine Sun are overseeing the project for the studio.

Most recently starring as Young Nettie in Warner Bros’ The Color Purple musical from director Blitz Bazawule,...

It was just last week we were celebrating the 20th anniversary of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, which catapulted Michel Gondry into the Hollywood system with the likes of Be Kind Rewind and The Green Hornet. After the failure of that superhero tentpole, he retreated back to France, directing a handful of smaller-scale features, the latest of which, The Book of Solutions, gets meta following a filmmaker struggling with the editing of his big-budget project. Gondry is now mounting his return to Hollywood, the details of which have now been unveiled.

Deadline reports he’s directing an untitled coming-of-age musical, which is loosely inspired by the upbringing of Pharrell Williams. Set to star Kelvin Harrison Jr. and Da’Vine Joy Randolph, coming off her Oscar win for The Holdovers, the Universal-backed project is set in 1977 Virginia Beach. Previously going by the title Atlantis, named after the Atlantis Apartments area where Williams was raised,...

Da’Vine Joy Randolph, still basking in the eternal sunshine of being an Oscar winner, is returning to her musical roots.

The newly-minted Best Supporting Actress winner for “The Holdovers” is teaming up with “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” director Michel Gondry for an upcoming musical biopic based on Pharrell Williams. The music icon is producing the feature, which is in production at Universal. “Elvis” actor Kelvin Harrison Jr. is set to portray Williams, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. Randolph is in talks to star in a yet-unidentified role. The feature is set during Williams’ coming-of-age years in Virginia Beach in the 1970s.

Randolph previously tapped into the ’70s era for her breakout turn in “My Name Is Dolemite.” The actress showed off her singing chops in series “High Fidelity” and “Rustin,” among other projects. Randolph told IndieWire that Alexander Payne’s “The Holdovers” marked a turning point...

Michel Gondry is about to make a lot of people happy, teaming with Pharrell Williams, Kelvin Harrison Jr. and recent Oscar winner Da’Vine Joy Randolph for Atlantis, a new film that is partly inspired by Williams’ upbringing.

While no plot details have been unveiled, according to Deadline, Atlantis is “a coming-of-age musical, set in 1977 Virginia Beach, which draws inspiration from Williams’ childhood growing up in the city’s Atlantis Apartments.” In addition to Gondry signed on as director, screenwriters on board are Toy Story 4’s Martin Hynes and Tick, Tick…Boom’s Steven Levenson.

Atlantis was revealed back in 2017. While Hynes was attached even as far back as then, originally Michael Mayer – who won the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical for Spring Awakening – was set to direct.

Pharrell Williams has been all-in on telling his life story, even in Lego form, as Focus Features will release...

Our newest Best Supporting Actress Oscar-winner, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, looks to have her next project in view. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the star of “The Holdovers” will join a new musical from director Michel Gondry and producer Pharrell Williams. The project is said to be based on Williams’s youth in Virginia Beach in the 1970s. (I hope we get to watch his very tall hat grow.) IMDb has the title of the film listed as “Atlantis,” but this is unconfirmed by THR.

The screenplay is written by Martin Hynes, whose previous writing credits include “Toy Story 4” and “Stealing Harvard” (and also playing George Lucas in the legendary short “George Lucas in Love”), and Steven Levenson, whose musical credits include “Dear Evan Hanson” and “tick, tick…Boom.” Kelvin Harrison Jr., recently seen in “Chevalier” and “Elvis” is believed to be starring, and IMDb lists Andre 3000, Mary J. Blige,...

Da'Vine Joy Randolph is in talks to star in a new musical.The Oscar-winning actress is said to be in negotiations to appear in the untitled Universal film from director Michel Gondry and producer Pharrell Williams.The project is thought to be a coming-of-age musical that draws inspiration from the 'Happy' hitmaker's upbringing in Virginia Beach during the 1970s and Kelvin Harrison Jr. is already confirmed to star.Gondry will direct from a script by Martin Hynes and Steven Levenson with Williams, Mimi Valdes and Gil Netter all serving as producers.Da'Vine, 37, recently won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress after starring as grieving mother Mary Lamb in 'The Holdovers' and explained that she is hoping to "infiltrate" genres where minorities are not traditionally represented in the film industry.She told Variety magazine: "I don't just want to do black movies. I will always pay tribute to, honour, uplift...

Da’Vine Joy Randolph is making moves after her Oscar win.

The actress is in talks to join a musical in development at Universal from director Michel Gondry and producer Pharrell Williams that has Kelvin Harrison Jr. attached to star, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed. The untitled coming-of-age project is said to be inspired by Williams’ formative years growing up in Virginia Beach in the 1970s.

Gondry is set to direct from a screenplay by Martin Hynes and Steven Levenson. Williams, Mimi Valdés and Gil Netter will serve as producers.

Randolph won the best supporting actress Oscar earlier this month for her role as Mary Lamb in Alexander Payne’s The Holdovers, with other recent credits including Rustin and HBO’s The Idol. Additionally, she is set to star in the movie Shadow Force alongside Kerry Washington, and she filmed Bride Hard with Rebel Wilson last year.

“For so long I wanted to be different,...

Exclusive: Kelvin Harrison Jr. (Waves) has been set to lead a new, untitled Universal feature project from director Michel Gondry (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind) and producer Pharrell Williams (Hidden Figures), according to multiple sources, who also tell us that 2024 Academy Award winner Da’Vine Joy Randolph (The Holdovers) is in talks.

Universal declined comment. But the film is said to be a coming-of-age musical, set in 1977 Virginia Beach, which draws inspiration from Williams’ childhood growing up in the city’s Atlantis Apartments.

Martin Hynes (Toy Story 4) and Steven Levenson penned the script. Williams and Mimi Valdés will produce through i am Other, alongside Gil Netter for Gil Netter Productions.

Known for roles in Trey Edward Shults’ Waves, Joe Wright’s Cyrano, Nat Geo’s Genius: MLK/X, which had him playing Martin Luther King Jr., and Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis, which had him portraying B.B. King,...

Is there an animal better suited to the big screen than the elephant? From Topsy (Rip) to Dumbo, these magnificent creatures have been especially prominent in documentaries and animation. Continuing this long tradition is “The Magician’s Elephant,” in which a boy (voiced by Noah Jupe) must complete three seemingly impossible tasks to find the younger sister he thought died at birth.

Netflix Animation’s latest offering uses the concept of magic to express the idea that nothing is impossible if your heart is in the right place and you believe in yourself. While the movie itself is more whimsical than magical, it does have a few tricks up its sleeve.

The three trials Peter must complete aren’t edicts from the movie’s eponymous magician, who barely factors into the narrative beyond conjuring the elephant out of thin air, but rather a royal decree from an eccentric king (Aasif Mandavi...

The first trailer for Netflix’s upcoming animated adventure The Magician’s Elephant teases an enchanting adaptation of Newbery-winning author Kate Dicamillo’s 2009 novel.

In a nearly two-minute first look at the animated feature premiering globally on March 17 and helmed by first-time director and animation and vfx veteran Wendy Rogers (Puss in Boots, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian), the streamer promises an emotionally heartfelt and visually stunning coming-of-age fable about the desire to connect and belong, embracing possibility and the power of hope and compassion.

“The first time I watched the movie, I was struck by the sheer beauty of it — it is a gorgeous film visually,” Dicamillo says of the Rogers-helmed adaptation. “But also, there is a real, genuine heart to the film. It is deeply moving. That is the true magic of it.”

Coming more than a decade after an adaptation was first announced with producer Julia Pistor...

Netflix has unveiled the animated feature film “The Magician’s Elephant,” with a voice cast including Noah Jupe, Pixie Davies, Sian Clifford, Natasia Demetriou, Dawn French, Brian Tyree Henry and Benedict Wong.

“The Magician’s Elephant” is based on Newbery Award winner Kate Dicamillo’s novel of the same title. The film, currently in production, marks the directorial debut of visual effects veteran Wendy Rogers — whose credits include “Shrek,” “The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian” and “Puss in Boots” — and is produced by Julia Pistor.

The voice cast also includes Aasif Mandvi, Mandy Patinkin, Miranda Richardson, Cree Summer and Lorraine Toussaint.

“Toy Story 4” writer Martin Hynes has written the script. Animal Logic is handling the computer imagery for “The Magician’s Elephant.”

The story centers on Peter (voiced by Jupe), who is searching for his long-lost sister Adel (voiced by Pixie Davies). He crosses paths with a fortune teller...

Exclusive: Netflix has set an all-star voice cast and stellar creative team for new animation The Magician’s Elephant, we can reveal.

Noah Jupe (A Quiet Place), Benedict Wong (Doctor Strange), Sian Clifford (Fleabag), Pixie Davies (Mary Poppins Returns), Natasia Demetriou (What We Do In The Shadows), Dawn French (French & Saunders), Brian Tyree Henry (Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse), Aasif Mandvi (Evil), Mandy Patinkin (Homeland), Miranda Richardson (Belle), Cree Summer (Vampirina) and Lorraine Toussaint (Concrete Cowboy) will voice the movie, which is currently in production.

Based on two-time Newbery Award-winner Kate Dicamillo’s novel of the same name, the film marks the directorial debut of veteran visual effects artist Wendy Rogers (Shrek) and is produced by animation vet Julia Pistor (The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie).

Script comes from Martin Hynes (Toy Story 4), production design from Max Boas (Abominable), art direction from Luri Lioi (How to Train Your Dragon trilogy), editing by...

Finalists have been revealed for the 2020 Humanitas Prize, which honors film and television writers whose work inspires compassion, hope, and understanding in the human family. Titles include awards-season heavies Bombshell, It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood and The Farewell on the film side and When They See Us, Pose, This Is Us and The Handmaid’s Tale on the small-screen side.

It’s the 45th year for the honors that hands out awards in 10 categories — two new categories, Limited Series, TV Movie or Special and Short Film, are newcomers this year.

Winners will be announced at the 45th annual Humanitas Prize ceremony January 24, 2020 at the Beverly Hilton.

Here are this year’s finalists:

Drama Feature Film

A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood

Written by Micah Fitzerman-Blue & Noah Harpster; inspired by the article “Can You Say… Hero?” by Tom Junod

A Hidden Life

Written and directed by Terrence Malick...

With Toy Story 4, which marked his feature directorial debut, Josh Cooley faced a high-pressure situation, looking to create an excitingly fresh animated film that would do justice to the legacy of an iconic franchise, while conjuring up the perfect send-off for Woody, one of the most beloved characters in Pixar’s history.

Picking up with the loyal cowboy rag doll, Buzz Lightyear and the rest of the group of toys first introduced to the world in 1995, Toy Story 4 sees the gang head out on a road trip with toddler Bonnie. Coming across Forky—a toy of Bonnie’s own creation, that the gang must protect at all costs—Woody’s adventures result in an unexpected reunion with his long-lost friend Bo Peep, and the cowboy must decide what kind of future he wants for himself, with owner Andy long absent from his life.

Coming to the project, excited...

Disney’s domination over the box office only seemed to strengthen this weekend as “Toy Story 4” easily topped box office charts.

The fourth entry in Pixar’s animated series collected $118 million in ticket sales when it debuted in 4,575 North American theaters. While that haul is significantly below expectations, which anticipated a start near $140 million, it’s hardly a disappointment for the critically acclaimed movie.

Despite glowing reviews, box office prognosticators suggest that “Toy Story 4” underperformed because audiences were wary about the need for another chapter after “Toy Story 3” wrapped up the series so perfectly. The domestic debut is only a slight jump on that entry, which bowed nearly a decade ago with $110 million. However, strong word of mouth will likely keep “Toy Story 4” in theaters long throughout the summer.

Executives at the Magic Kingdom are optimistic about “Toy Story 4’s” triple-digit debut.

“Looking at these...

After a lackluster few weeks at movie theaters, it’s Woody and Buzz Lightyear to the rescue. The dynamic duo is returning to multiplexes for Disney and Pixar’s “Toy Story 4.”

The fourth installment in the CGI series is expected to earn north of $140 million when it opens in 4,500 theaters across North America. If it hits those numbers, it will rank among the best debuts for an animated movie. As it stands, the top three launches are “Incredibles 2” ($182 million), “Finding Dory” ($135 million) and “Shrek the Third” ($121 million). The upcoming entry comes nearly 10 years after “Toy Story 3,” which bowed with $110 million in 2009.

Sequels have been floundering at the box office as of late, with “Men in Black: International,” “Dark Phoenix,” and “Shaft” all failing to meet expectations. “Toy Story 4” looks to reverse that trend. Critics are high on the latest iteration, bestowing a near-perfect 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

You’ve still got a friend in them. Fear not, for Pixar has beaten the odds with Toy Story 4. Opening up this week, the sequel finds a moving and wholly unexpected way to continue the adventures of Woody, Buzz, and company. With new delightful characters, an ending you won’t see coming, and a message aimed more at adults than ever before, this is something special. Any worries that the animation giant would fumble the fourth time around are for naught. Not only is this one of Pixar’s best, it’s also one of the best films of the year so far, without question. The third sequel in the Toy Story franchise, Toy Story 4 finds both a new beginning as well as potential end for the series. Now living with Bonnie, Woody (voice of Tom Hanks) and the rest of Andy’s former toys have a new kid.

Toy Story 4 unspools in theaters June 21, moviegoers may notice that the sequel boasts a large number of "story by" credits — eight — including former Pixar chief creative officer John Lasseter and writing partners Rashida Jones and Will McCormack, who left the project in 2017. Others credited include director Josh Cooley, story supervisor Valerie Lapointe, writer Stephany Folsom (Thor: Ragnarok), writer Martin Hynes (The Go-Getter) and Pixar's Oscar-winning writer-director Andrew Stanton (Finding Nemo, Wall-e). Stanton and Folsom share the screenplay credit.

Those names reflect the long road to development for the sequel. While it had ...

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Toy Story 4 unspools in theaters June 21, moviegoers may notice that the sequel boasts a large number of "story by" credits — eight — including former Pixar chief creative officer John Lasseter and writing partners Rashida Jones and Will McCormack, who left the project in 2017. Others credited include director Josh Cooley, story supervisor Valerie Lapointe, writer Stephany Folsom (Thor: Ragnarok), writer Martin Hynes (The Go-Getter) and Pixar's Oscar-winning writer-director Andrew Stanton (Finding Nemo, Wall-e). Stanton and Folsom share the screenplay credit.

Those names reflect the long road to development for the sequel. While it had ...

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Pharrell Williams and Michael Mayer are teaming up for a musical at 20th Century Fox inspired by the singer-songwriter’s childhood in Virginia Beach, an individual with knowledge of the project told TheWrap. The musical, titled “Atlantis,” will be produced by Williams and Mimi Valdes via their I Am Other banner; Gil Netter is producing with Netter films. Mayer is known for his work on Broadway’s “Spring Awakening” for which he won a Tony Award, as well as “American Idiot.” Martin Hynes, who is currently working on the script for “Toy Story 4,” is attached to write “Atlantis.” Also Read:...

Presumably after taking a couple dozen showers to wash off the stench of his atrocious Annie remake, Will Gluck is teaming with Walt Disney Studios to direct an untitled lottery project.

The pic, which was originally written for a male lead and titled Lucky Guy but is being retooled to feature a female protagonist, centers on a perpetually unlucky young woman who is flabbergasted when everyone in her small town wins a lottery apart from her. However, this apparent misfortune turns out to leave her as the only person standing between her town and total disaster.

Gluck is helping scribe Martin Hynes to rewrite the pic for a female lead. He’s uniquely qualified for the gig, given his killer breakthrough Easy A, which proved a star-making vehicle for Emma Stone, and crowd-pleasing comedy Friends with Benefits, which featured Mila Kunis and Justin Timberlake.

Annie was an absolute train-wreck and...

Do you ever feel like you must be the unluckiest person in the world? Well, then you would probably relate on some level to the plight of one poor schmuck in Spain who was the only member of his very small town to not win the lottery. While his neighbors celebrating an auspicious win that netted them $950 million, he was the lone loser. It's a story so sad that it's pretty hysterical, so Disney is developing the premise into a new unnamed comedy. The Wrap reports Martin Hynes, who is developing the cerebral drama Imagining Nathan at the House of Mouse, has been hired to draft the screenplay based on the New York Times article by Suzanne Daley, titled, "In Spanish Village, Everyone.s a Winner, Almost.. For the role of this unlucky lotto loser, Disney has lined up Steve Carell, who has made an art of play lovable losers...

He’s probably the nicest guy in Hollywood, but Steve Carell’s very niceness seems to work against him sometimes. He was way too nice to be a Noah in Evan Almighty, and even his diabolical mastermind turned out to love fluffy stuffed animals and small children in Despicable Me. Now Carell is about to get even nicer, by teaming up with the studio that has made niceness into a brand name.

The Film Stage tells us that Disney has expressed interest in Carell for a part in a new comedy by writer Martin Hynes. The film is based on a recent New York Times article by Suzanne Daley about a Spanish village that won $950 million in the lottery … except for one ill-fated house.

So will Steve Carell be taking on a role in the as yet untitled film? The truth is we don’t know. He’s got quite...

Disney is re-teaming with screenwriter Martin Hynes on a comedy about a town where everyone wins the lottery except one person, with an eye to developing the project for Steve Carell, individuals close to the project have told TheWrap.  The project is based on a New York Times article by Suzanne Daley about a Spanish town of 70 houses where everyone wins the lottery but one man. The jackpot was worth $950 million. The Nyt article, titled "In Spanish Village, Everyone's a Winner, Almost," was reported from Sodeto, Spain last January. Jocelyn Diaz...

Fox is going ahead on "The Magician's Elephant," hiring Martin Hynes ("The Go-Getter") to adapt Kate Dicamillo's soon-to-be-published children's book.Julia Pistor is producing.The story centers on impossible things that may happen when a fortune teller tells an orphan boy that an elephant will lead him to his long-lost sister.Two of Dicamillo's books, "The Tale of Despereaux" and "Because of Winn Dixie", have been adapted into features.

Children's book author Kate Dicamillo has a track record of striking out when it comes to the big screen. The movie version of her book Because of Winn Dixie made just $32 million domestically, while last holiday season The tale of Despereaux kind of got lost in the shuffle, making $50 million in the process. But because kids will see pretty much everything, a third Dicamillo book-- the soon-to-be-published The Magician's Elephant-- is going into production at Fox. Director Martin Hynes told Variety "The film we've referenced in terms of tone is The Princess Bride -- something that kids will enjoy, but adults will love on other levels," which is probably what everyone making a children's movie says when they first got into production. Hynes has a history in independent film-- he made The Go-Getter with Lou Taylor Pucci and Zooey Deschanel-- so who knows what he'll bring to a story...

Family friendly

20th Century Fox has plans to turn Kate Dicamillo’s children’s book, The Magician’s Elephant, into a feature length film. This marks the third film adaptation for the author whose Because of Winn Dixie and The Tale of Despereaux saw wide-spread approval from families.

The Go-Getter scribe Martin Hynes will adapt the book for screen.

The Magician’s Elephant revolves around an orphan boy who learns from a fortune teller that an elephant will lead him to his long-lost sister. “The film we’ve referenced in terms of tone is The Princess Bride — something that kids will enjoy, but adults will love on other levels,” Hynes told Variety.

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• Not every filmmaker who casts Zooey Deschanel in their indie debut film make a quick cross over into their next directing gig with a studio project (just looking at this list there have been a few). While I didn't care for Martin Hynes no-budget, tired road trip formula/calling card of a film (The Go-Getter), I'm glad that he is not stuck in "P" for Park. Hynes' next directing gig is for 20th Century Fox's adaptation of a children's book – the studio has a craving for such material with the upcoming releases of Fantastic Mr. Fox and next year's Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief and also have an appetite for Kate Dicamillo books as was the case with Because of Winn Dixie. Hynes will adapt the not yet published Dicamillo book entitled The Magician's Elephant, which centers on impossible things that may happen when a fortune teller tells

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