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Atomic Entertainment, the award-winning studio behind Nat Geo’s Brain Games and Netflix’s Brainchild, announces that its flagship educational podcast Who Smarted? has surpassed 25 million downloads. This milestone highlights the show’s extraordinary growth and its impact on families and classrooms worldwide.

Who Smarted? was designed to be the funniest educational podcast for kids and families and is enjoyed worldwide by children as young as five and as old as early teens. It's a go-to resource for parents and teachers/educators seeking highly entertaining, fact-filled audio storytelling that will leave everyone laughing and learning. The show's global success reflects the rising demand for high-quality, screen-free, educational content. For over four years now, Who Smarted? has been captivating and educating a large and still growing audience!

“We created Who Smarted? as a way to sneak learning into kids’ brains while they were too busy laughing to notice—and to make...

Golden (fka Atlantis), Michel Gondry’s movie musical on the childhood of musician Pharrell Williams, has been scrapped in post-production, Deadline has confirmed.

Previously dated by Universal for a wide theatrical release on May 5, the film will never see the light of day, as it’s not being shopped.

In a statement shared with Deadline, Gondry and Williams attributed the decision to axe the project to their inability to fulfill the vision with which they had set out.

“When all of us got into the editing room we collectively decided there wasn’t a path forward to tell the version of this story that we originally envisioned,” they said. “We appreciate all the hard work of the talented cast and crew. While we’re disappointed we can’t deliver this film, we have incredible partners at Universal and will collaborate in a different capacity again soon.”

Kelvin Harrison Jr. was set to topline Golden,...

“Golden,” a musical inspired by the life of Pharrell Williams and directed by “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” filmmaker Michel Gondry, is being scrapped and will not be released by Universal, despite the film being in post-production and featuring a star-studded cast.

Williams and Gondry in a joint statement to IndieWire said that they mutually agreed they “can’t deliver this film,” and Variety, which first reported the news, added that it will not be released in any form or shopped by Universal to other buyers.

“When all of us got into the editing room we collectively decided there wasn’t a path forward to tell the version of this story that we originally envisioned. We appreciate all the hard work of the talented cast and crew. While we’re disappointed, we can’t deliver this film, we have incredible partners at Universal and will collaborate in a different capacity again soon,...

Pharrell Williams and Michel Gondry have decided to scrap their movie musical that was in the postproduction process for Universal Pictures.

Golden, which previously went by the title Atlantis, will not be shopped to other interested parties, as the creative team is not continuing on with the project. It had previously been scheduled for release on May 9.

The star-studded cast included Kelvin Harrison Jr., Halle Bailey, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Brian Tyree Henry, Janelle Monáe, Missy Elliott and Quinta Brunson. The project was set in Virginia Beach during the summer of 1977 and inspired by Atlantis Apartments, the neighborhood where Williams grew up. Gondry helmed the musical from a script by Martin Hynes and Steven Levenson, while Williams was a producer alongside Mimi Valdés and Gil Netter.

“When all of us got into the editing room, we collectively decided there wasn’t a path forward to tell the version of this story that we originally envisioned,...

A star-studded movie musical about the childhood of Pharrell Williams has been permanently shuttered and will not see release in any capacity, Variety can report exclusively.

The project in question is “Golden,” originally titled “Atlantis,” and was directed by Michel Gondry (“Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind”). It was set for wide theatrical release from Universal Pictures on May 5, though sources said that date was pushed internally last year. It boasts a heavyweight cast of chart toppers and an Oscar winner, including: Kelvin Harrison Jr., Halle Bailey, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Brian Tyree Henry, Janelle Monáe, Missy Elliott, Quinta Brunson, Anderson .Paak and Jaboukie Young-White.

Universal set up and financed the effort as part of their longstanding creative partnership with Williams (who is notably a composer and performer for the blockbuster “Despicable Me” franchise). Multiple sources told Variety that the project was shut down after unanimous agreement from producers and Gondry...

Prime Video has unveiled the official trailer and key art for Harlem Season 3, which will wrap up the series beginning on January 23. The third and final season will pick up after the shocking season two finale cliffhanger.

From creator and writer Tracy Oliver (Girls Trip), Harlem Season 3 will follow the core four women on the precipice of change like never before. Whether it be motherhood, singlehood, sisterhood, complicated career journeys, or even more complicated families, our stylish and ambitious best girlfriends strive to finally choose themselves above all else.

“As we prepare to say goodbye to this incredible series, we’re both grateful for the journey Tracy has taken us on and excited for our global customers to experience a final season that truly honors these characters,” said Vernon Sanders, head of television at Amazon MGM Studios.

“This chapter may be coming to a close, but the series will continue...

The Amazon Prime Video comedy series “Harlem” will end with its upcoming third season.

The announcement came as Amazon released the first trailer for the third season, which can be seen below. It was previously announced that Season 3 of “Harlem” will debut on Jan. 23, though it was not known the show would be ending until now. The series first debuted on Amazon in 2021, with Season 2 dropping in 2023.

“I’m beyond grateful to the whole team at Amazon for giving me the chance of a lifetime to tell these four Black women’s stories and shoot it in the city I love: Harlem,” said series creator Tracy Oliver. “It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m honored to see the impact it’s made in the culture, as well as the impact it’s had on all of us who’ve been blessed to work on it. A huge thank...

Composing legend Hans Zimmer was the top individual winner at the 15th annual Hollywood Music in Media Awards ceremony held Wednesday night, with three wins. The film “Emilia Pérez” also picked up three wins, followed by “The Wild Robot” and “Deadpool & Wolverine” with two apiece.

The HMMAs gave out honors for songs and scores in 39 categories at the event, held at Hollywood’s Avalon. The list of winners for 2024 was an eclectic one that included such well-known names as Elton John, A.R. Rahman, Kris Bowers, Miley Cyrus, Diane Warren, Alberto Iglesias, Maren Morris, Zoe Saldana, Clément Ducol, Robin Carolan, Pinar Toprak, Lainey Wilson, Brandi Carlile, Ilan Eshkeri, Olivia Rodrigo, Camille and dozens more. (Scroll down for the complete list of winners.)

Bernie Taupin was the most celebrated honoree of the night, being presented the Outstanding Career Achievement Award for a lifetime of work, on top of sharing in the...

Hans Zimmer and Emilia Pérez took home three trophies each to lead the winners at the 2024 Hollywood Music in Media awards, which honor the year’s most memorable film and TV music moments. The Wild Robot was the only other multiple winner, taking a pair of prizes during Wednesday night’s ceremony at The Avalon in Hollywood.

Double Oscar winner and 12-time nominee Zimmer won for three different projects: Score – Sci-Fi/Fantasy for Dune: Part Two, Score – Documentary Series for Planet Earth III and Song – TV Show Limited Series for “Love Will Survive” from The Tattooist of Auschwitz.

Zoe Saldaña took Song – Onscreen Performance (Film) for “El Mal” from Emilia Pérez, which also scooped the marquee Score – Feature Film award for composers-songwriters Clément Ducol & Camille along with Music Themed Film.

Other songwriter winners included Diane Warren (“The Journey” from The Six Triple Eight); Elton John, Brandi Carlile, Bernie Taupin and...

After a shocking season two finale cliffhanger that left audiences on the edge of their seats, the news is finally out that Harlem will return for its third season on January 23, 2025, exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.

From creator and writer Tracy Oliver (Girls Trip), Harlem follows the core four women on the precipice of change like never before. Whether it be motherhood, singlehood, sisterhood, complicated career journeys, or even more complicated families, our stylish and ambitious best girlfriends strive to choose themselves above all else.

To spice things up even more, newcomers Kofi Siriboe, Logan Browning, Robin Givens, and Gail Bean join the cast in recurring roles. Siriboe will portray Seth, an MLB player whose confident, charming, and sweet mannerisms land him a spot in one of the ladies’ hearts.

Browning will portray Portia, an edgy and beautiful woman from Ian’s (Tyler Lepley) childhood,...

Focus Features is celebrating Pharrell Williams’ Piece By Piece‘s arrival with a fun Lego Minifigure Generator! Piece By Piece is a musically-charged Lego movie delving into the extraordinary life and career of cultural icon Pharell Williams. Focus’ Lego Minifigure Generator invites fans to embark on their own creative journey, allowing them to build and customize their very own digital Lego minifigures to resemble whoever they want to be—piece by piece. With a commitment to inclusivity, the generator boasts an impressive array of options, including seven skin tones, over 60 hairstyles, and more than 90 outfit choices, including exclusive pieces from Pharrell’s renowned fashion brand, Billionaire Boys Club. Pharrell Williams and his creative collective i am Other made the film with director Neville’s company Tremolo Productions, Focus Features, Pure Imagination Studios, and creator platform Tongal. Nearly 100 Tongal Creators worldwide worked on the film, building Pharrell’s world in Lego...

“You take it apart, then you put it back together piece by piece.” That, in a nutshell, is why Pharrell Williams was inspired to do his biopic completely in the animated world of Lego.

Turning the standard music-oriented documentary life story on its head, Williams enlisted Oscar and Grammy-winning documentarian Morgan Neville to direct and conceive a format that would bring the uber-creative life of Williams to a happy place cinematically. Surprisingly, it brings a freshness and originality to a docu format that makes it feel all new again.

In a way that actually is standard in biopics, the basic bricks of Williams’ life are told in linear fashion with the first part taking place as he was growing up in the projects of Virginia Beach. A little bit of an outcast, not quite blending in with other kids, but finally finding his mojo,...

The official poster for the forthcoming Focus Features release, Piece By Piece has just been released (check it out below). The film will be in theaters on Friday, October 11th.

Synopsis: Piece By Piece is a unique cinematic experience that invites audiences on a vibrant journey through the life of cultural icon Pharrell Williams. Told through the lens of Lego® animation, turn up the volume on your imagination and witness the evolution of one of music’s most innovative minds.

About The Film

Genre: Animated Biopic Starring: Pharrell Williams, Gwen Stefani, Kendrick Lamar, Timbaland, Justin Timberlake, Busta Rhymes, Jay Z, Snoop Dogg Director: Morgan Neville Screenplay: Producer: Pharrell Williams, Mimi Valdés, Caitrin Rogers, Morgan Neville

Piece By Piece is in theaters on October 11, 2024!

For More Information, Please Visit:

Official Site / Facebook / X (Twitter) / Instagram / #PiecebyPiece

The post “Piece By Piece” Gets Official Poster first appeared on CinemaNerdz.

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,...

Atomic Entertainment, the renowned educational production company behind Brain Games and Netflix’s Brainchild, is thrilled to announce its hit family education podcast, Who Smarted?, is now releasing episodes four days a week. This update comes as the independently produced show achieved an impressive milestone of twenty million total downloads.

Jerry Kolber, CEO of Atomic Entertainment and co-creator and host of Who Smarted?, expressed his enthusiasm about this growth and the increasing popularity of kids’ podcasting:

“The phenomenal success of Who Smarted? proves a demand for top-notch, engaging educational content for elementary school kids that doesn’t make parents run screaming from the room. With so many kids and families downloading the show and consumption rates over 95%, we're thrilled to bring even more fun and learning to our young listeners and their adults. Starting now, we're rolling out episodes almost every weekday. That means more laughing, more learning, and of...

Atomic Entertainment is excited to announce the addition of Nick Castner as our new Director of Marketing. With a robust background in helping independent creators grow and monetize their audiences, Nick brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the Atomic Entertainment team.

Nick joined Atomic Entertainment after five successful years in the industry, where he made significant contributions to the growth and success of independent creators. His previous roles include serving as the Director of Marketing at Glassbox Media and Hurrdat Media, where he played a pivotal role in developing and implementing effective marketing strategies to produce profitable podcasts.

“We are thrilled to have Nick Castner join our team,” said Jerry Kolber, CEO of Atomic Entertainment. “His track record of success monetizing and growing audio makes him the perfect fit as Atomic continues to expand our independent audio portfolio.”

Nick Castner shared his enthusiasm about joining Atomic...

An official trailer for Focus Features’ forthcoming Piece by Piece was recently released. The film will be released in theaters on Friday, October 11th!

Synopsis: Piece By Piece is a unique cinematic experience that invites audiences on a vibrant journey through the life of cultural icon Pharrell Williams. Told through the lens of Lego® animation, turn up the volume on your imagination and witness the evolution of one of music’s most innovative minds.

About The Film

Genre: Starring: Pharrell Williams, Gwen Stefani, Kendrick Lamar, Timbaland, Justin Timberlake, Busta Rhymes, Jay Z, Snoop Dogg Director: Morgan Neville Screenplay: Producer: Pharrell Williams, Mimi Valdés, Caitrin Rogers, Morgan Neville

Piece By Piece is in theaters on Friday, October 11th!

For More Information, Please Visit:

Official Site / Facebook / X (Twitter) / Instagram / #PiecebyPiece

The post Official Trailer for “Piece By Piece” Released first appeared on CinemaNerdz.

Pharrell Williams is revisiting the building blocks of his life — literally.

Williams’ biography is captured by Lego animation for feature film “Piece by Piece,” directed by Academy Award winner Morgan Neville, who also gets Lego-fied for the meta film. As do Gwen Stefani, Kendrick Lamar, Jay-Z, Timbaland, Justin Timberlake, Busta Rhymes, and Snoop Dogg.

Billed as an “unparalleled motion picture experience,” the animated biopic stars Williams as a Lego version of himself as he tells his own life story. Grammy-winning and Academy Award-nominated musician Williams announced the project on Instagram in January 2024, captioning, “Who would’ve thought that playing with Legos as a kid would evolve into a movie about my life. It’s proof that anyone else can do it too… #PieceByPiece.”

“Piece by Piece” has been in the works since early 2019, when Williams reached out to Neville with the concept.

“When I had this crazy vision to tell this story through Lego bricks,...

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.

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 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,...

Exclusive: Harlem is coming back for Season 3 and fans will see four new faces when the show returns. Kofi Siriboe (Queen Sugar), Logan Browning (Dear White People), Robin Givens (Batwoman) and Gail Bean (Snowfall) have been set in recurring roles.

Siriboe will portray Seth, an MLB player whose confident, charmin, and sweet mannerisms land him a spot in one of the ladies’ hearts. Browning will portray Portia, an edgy and beautiful woman from Ian’s (Tyler Lepley) childhood, whose return to Harlem causes a stir. Givens will portray Jacqueline, Eva’s no-nonsense mother. Bean will portray Given’s daughter Eva, a driven, yet playful, venture capitalist who has started working with Tye (Jerrie Johnson).

From writer Tracy Oliver, Harlem is a comedy following four best girlfriends in Harlem NYC, the mecca of Black culture in America, starring Meagan Good as “Camille,” Grace Byers as “Quinn,” Shoniqua Shandai as “Angie,” Jerrie Johnson as “Tye,...

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...

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,...

In a novel twist, Focus Features has teamed up with Morgan Neville on a Lego animated biopic of singer and music producer Pharrell Williams.

Williams developed Piece By Piece and Neville and Caitrin Rogers of Tremolo Productions produced with Williams, Mimi Valdés, and Shani Saxon.

Jill Wilfert and Keith Malone are executive producing for the Lego Group. The film will debut theatrically on October 11.

Neville said, “Five years ago, Pharrell Williams approached me with the idea of helping him tell his story through Lego animation. It was one of those rare moments where I knew in a second that this...

Pharrell Williams has come a long way from producing music as part of the Neptunes and as part of the rap/rock band N.E.R.D. Williams went on to do some of the most catchy, ear-wormy pop hits that radio and television would play ad nauseam. Pharrell would also break through into movies as he composed music for such films as the Despicable Me movies, The Amazing Spider-Man 2 and Hidden Figures. Additionally, his pop hits would be all over countless trailers and be featured in movies like Trolls Band Together and Sing 2.

Recently, Pharrell took to his Instagram to announce that his life story will be told in Lego form in a film from Focus Features, titled Piece by Piece. The film is due to hit theaters on October 11. On his post, Pharrell would include the teaser poster, which parodies the “evolution of man” poster with...

Pharrell Williams’ life will be told via Legos in the new Focus Features movie Piece by Piece, directed by 20 Feet from Stardom Oscar winner Morgan Neville. The pic will hit theaters on Oct. 11.

The 13-time Grammy winner and double Oscar nominee posted about it on social today, saying: “Who would’ve thought that playing with Legos as a kid would evolve into a movie about my life. It’s proof that anyone else can do it too… #PieceByPiece.”

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Pharrell Williams is getting animated in a new feature film about his life.

The musician and superproducer announced that he is teaming with The Lego Group, director Morgan Neville and Focus Features to create “Piece by Piece,” an animated film about his life using the famous toy blocks.

Per the press release, “Uninterested in making a traditional film about his life, Pharrell set out to tell his story in a way that would set audience’s imaginations free. Developed from his singular vision, ‘Piece by Piece’ defies genres and expectations to transport audiences into a Lego world where anything is possible.”

“Pharrell Williams is a true trailblazer whose influence across music, art and fashion continually reshapes global culture with an undeniable sense of joy,” Focus Features chairman Peter Kujawski said in a statement. “In partnering with the inimitable Morgan Neville and the limitless creativity of the Lego brand his visionary...

Pharrell Williams is turning his life into a Lego movie, courtesy of Oscar-winning director Morgan Neville and Focus Features.

Grammy-winning and Academy Award-nominated multi-hyphenate icon Williams announced the project on Instagram, captioning, “Who would’ve thought that playing with Legos as a kid would evolve into a movie about my life. It’s proof that anyone else can do it too… #PieceByPiece.”

The film will be released October 11 in theaters and is billed as an “unparalleled motion picture experience” that pairs Williams’ vision with Lego.

The official synopsis reads: “Uninterested in making a traditional film about his life, Pharrell set out to tell his story in a way that would set audience’s imaginations free. Developed from his singular vision, ‘Piece by Piece’ defies genres and expectations to transport audiences into a Lego world where anything is possible.”

Williams reached out to director Neville in early 2019 with the unprecedented concept...

Atomic Entertainment, the Emmy-nominated team behind acclaimed projects such as Nat Geo’s hit series Brain Games, Netflix’s live-action science series Brainchild, and the hit family podcast Who Smarted?, is thrilled to announce the launch of their latest venture into podcasting with the release of Slaycation. This gripping and darkly comedic true crime podcast takes listeners on a twisted journey through the chilling world of murders and mysterious deaths that take place on vacation.

Hosted by a true crime enthusiast, her comedy writer husband, and a seasoned TV producer, Slaycation offers a refreshing twist on the true crime genre by blending comedy, twisty turny storytelling, a husband & wife dynamic and respect for the victims and survivors involved, while focusing exclusively on cases of murder and suspicious deaths that happened while the victims were on vacation! Listeners can expect to be both captivated and entertained as they delve into the...

Amazon Prime Video has renewed “Harlem” for a third season.

From “Girls Trip” and “The Blackening” writer Tracy Oliver, “Harlem” follows four best friends in Harlem — Camille (Meagan Good), Tye (Jerrie Johnson), Quinn (Grace Byers) and Angie (Shonique Shandai) — who navigate new phases of their careers, relationships and big city dreams together.

Season 1 of “Harlem” premiered December of 2021, while Season 2 aired in February of this year.

The series is produced by Amazon MGM Studios and Universal Television in association with Paper Kite Productions. Executive producers include Oliver; Paper Kite’s Amy Poehler and Kim Lessing; 3 Arts’ Dave Becky; Britt Matt; Pharrell Williams; and I Am Other’s Mimi Valdés.

“The only thing more fun than making Season 2 of ‘Harlem’ was getting to travel across the country and watch it with our fans!” said Oliver. “Thanks to everyone who showed up to support and watched it at home! We’re so...

Prime Video has renewed Harlem for a third season.

From writer Tracy Oliver, Harlem is a comedy following four best girlfriends in Harlem NYC, the mecca of Black culture in America, starring Meagan Good as “Camille,” Grace Byers as “Quinn,” Shoniqua Shandai as “Angie,” Jerrie Johnson as “Tye,” and Tyler Lepley as “Ian”.

In Season 2, after blowing up her career and disrupting her love life, Camille had to figure out how to put the pieces back together. Tye tried to figure out how to make meaningful connections while navigating a nasty divorce. Quinn sought out balance as she rode the emotional roller coaster of life, and Angie looked for luck at every turn as she tried to find her place in the world. Together, the women continued to level up into the next phase of their careers, relationships, and big city dreams.

According to the release, Season 3 will return with...