News

Oscar Isaachas found his next project. The Dunestar will lead the cast of Stowaway, a television series based on the life of Juan Carlos Guzmán. The man is recognized internationally as "the greatest conman alive". Apple TV+ is already developing the project, after turning Ted Lasso and Severance into television smash hits. Isaac will also work on the series as an executive producer. Stowaway will follow Juan Carlos Guzmán as a constant series of lies allows him to pull off unpredictable schemes. The subject of the show constantly adopted the identity of his victims in order to get what he wanted.

Stowaway will be developed by Steven Levenson. Before getting the opportunity to work on the project that will allow audiences to take a deep dive into Juan Carlos Guzmán's life, Levenson was a part of the team that made Snow White. The live-action remake produced by Disney has found...

Oscar Isaac is set to executive produce and star in “Stowaway,” playing Juan Carlos Guzmán, who is internationally recognized as the “greatest conman alive.”

Apple TV+ closed a deal for the rights to the developing project following a competitive situation. Steven Levenson is attached to develop the series, set against a glittering backdrop of wealth and opulence, with the pilot directed by Alfonso Gomez-Rejon.

“Stowaway” centers on Guzmán, who, in 1993, was discovered as a wheel-well stowaway, nearly frozen onto the wheels of a cargo jet that landed in Miami. He claimed to be a 13-year-old orphan from Colombia left with no choice but to risk a better life in America, but in reality, Guzmán was 17 years old, with an aunt in Miami and a mother alive and worried sick about him in Bogota.

As the logline explains, “It was far from the last lie he would tell — or the most ridiculous.

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,...

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Margaret Qualley is one of the most talented and brilliant young actresses working in Hollywood right now. Born to actress Andie MacDowell, the actress, model, and dancer trained as a ballet dancer in her youth. She made her acting debut in 2013 with Gia Coppola‘s film Palo Alto. She recently starred in the hit satirical body horror film The Substance alongside Demi Moore. So, if you also love Qualley’s performances, here are the 10 best movies and TV shows starring Margaret Qualley.

10. My Salinger Year (AMC+ & Rent on Prime Video) Credit – IFC Films

My Salinger Year is a drama film written and directed by Philippe Falardeau. Based on the memoir of the same name by Joanna Rakoff, the 2020 film follows Joanna Rakoff, an aspiring writer working for literary agent Phyllis Westberg, as she receives some impactful personal advice from reclusive author J.D. Salinger.

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.

With his new highly-anticipated film Challengers bowing this weekend, Mike Faist looks to have found a new agent and manager as he as signed with WME and Brillstein Entertainment Partners for representation. He will continue to work with former agent Samantha Stoller, who transitioned to management in February.

Faist can next be seen in Luca Guadagnino’s tennis drama Challengers alongside Zendaya and Josh O’Connor in theaters April 26, 2024. His breakout role came as Riff in Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of West Side Story. His other credits include The Grief of Others, The Atlantic City Story and Pinball: The Man Who Saved the Game.

Also an acclaimed stage actor, Faist originated the role of Connor Murphy in the international megahit Dear Evan Hansen, which earned him a Grammy Award and a Tony nomination. Last summer, Faist starred as Jack Twist in Brokeback Mountain at London’s Soho Palace featuring songs by...

‘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,...

Carole Rothman, co-founder of the renowned New York theater company Second Stage responsible for such acclaimed productions as Dear Evan Hansen, Next To Normal, This Is Our Youth and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, is leaving the company she started in 1979.

“For 45 years, I have had the great honor of working with countless incredible artists and playwrights, many at the beginning of their careers, who are now among the brightest stars in the industry,” said Rothman in a statement. “The shows we have brought to life have been award-winners, conversation-starters, and groundbreakers. I’m forever grateful to all the people who have helped make Second Stage the creative springboard it is today. I’m so proud of what we have accomplished together.”

Rothman’s announcement did not state a specific reason for her departure or her immediate plans.

Since its founding by Rothman and Robyn Goodman (who left...

Hulu is saying so long to Up Here, the musical romantic comedy from Dear Evan Hansen writer Steven Levenson, after one season.

The eight-episode series, which also hailed from Danielle Sanchez-Witzel (The Carmichael Show), Thomas Kail, Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, was set in New York City in 1999 and followed a couple as they fall in love and discover that the single greatest obstacle to finding happiness together might just be themselves. It bowed in March.

Up Here starred Mae Whitman, Carlos Valdes, Katie Finneran, Sophia Hammons, Emilia Suárez, Andréa Burns, John Hodgman and Scott Porter.

20th Television and Kail’s Old 320 Sycamore Productions co-produced the series.

Related: 2023 Premiere Dates For New & Returning Series On Broadcast, Cable & Streaming...

Hulu has canceled its musical rom-com Up Here after a single season.

The cancellation of the series, starring Mae Whitman and Carlos Valdes as a would-be couple derailed by both external issues and the (singing) voices in their heads, comes four months after its binge release in late March. It will remain on Hulu, avoiding the fate of some other recent shows pulled from the streamer and sibling Disney+ in cost-cutting moves.

As is the case with most streaming series, detailed viewing data for Up Here isn’t available.

Up Here boasts an impressive creative team, with Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez (Frozen, Coco) writing original songs and scripts from Danielle Sanchez-Witzel (New Girl) and Steven Levenson (Dear Evan Hansen), all of whom are credited as co-creators. Thomas Kail (Hamilton) directed the first episode.

In addition to Whitman and Valdes, the show’s cast includes Katie Finneran, John Hodgman, Andréa Burns,...

The musical romantic comedy series “Up Here” has been canceled after just one season at Hulu, Variety has learned.

The series’ one and only season debuted on Hulu back on March 24. It was originally ordered to series at the streamer in January 2022.

The series boasted an all-star lineup behind the camera. Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, the songwriters of “Frozen” and “Frozen 2” wrote original songs for the series and executive produced, while Steven Levenson, who wrote the book for “Dear Evan Hansen,” and veteran TV writer Danielle Sanchez-Witzel served as writers and executive producers.

Thomas Kail, who previously directed Broadway shows like “Hamilton” and “In the Heights,” directed and executive produced under his Old 320 Sycamore Productions banner. Jennifer Todd of Old 320 Sycamore also executive produced. 20th Television was the studio. Old 320 Sycamore is currently under an overall deal at the studio.

Mae Whitman and Carlos Valdes led the cast,...

After debuting the first footage from Paul King’s Wonka at CinemaCon last year, Warner Bros showed off an extended trailer today for the Christmas 2023 release. The origins story stars Timothée Chalamet as the titular candymeister, who lands in a mid-European city (the pic was shot in London) after traveling the world perfecting his craft. “I’m something of a magician, inventor and chocolate maker,” he says.

His goal is to open a chocolate shop. But Willy Wonka soon learns he must battle some pretty sinister characters. He’s told, “Many people have come here to sell chocolate and been crushed by the chocolate cartel.”

Related: CinemaCon 2023 – Deadline’s Full Coverage

This Wonka, as Chalamet told the CinemaCon audience in Las Vegas today, “is full of joy and optimism.” In the trailer, he is undeterred and says, “Mark my words, this is going to be the greatest chocolate shop the world has ever seen.

Andrew Garfield and the Tick, Tick… Boom! cast helped to bring the beloved musical to life in a geature film with stunning results. The feature directorial debut of Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, Tick. Tick… Boom! is the on-screen adaptation of Jonathan Larson’s semi-autobiographical musical of the same name. With a screenplay by Dear Evan Hansen writer Steven Levenson, Tick, Tick... Boom! follows Larson as he struggles with the internal turmoil of turning 30 and not achieving anything yet.

In 1990, Jonathan Larson originated the show off-off-Broadway, calling it Boho Days. Over the next three years, he performed the rock monologue, now called Tick, Tick… Boom! in different festivals, venues, and theater workshops. This caught the attention of producer Jeffrey Seller, leading him to become a fan of Larson’s Rent and bring the musical to Broadway. Following Larson’s death in 1996, Pulitzer Prize winner David Auburn reshaped Tick, Tick… Boom! into a three-actor musical.

Todd Haimes, the widely respected artistic director and CEO of Roundabout Theatre Company, has died. He was 66.

Haimes died in New York City from complications of osteosarcoma, spokesman Matt Polk confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter. Haimes had been living with cancer for a number of years.

During his 39-year tenure as the leader of Roundabout, Haimes led the organization from near bankruptcy and one 150-seat basement space in a Chelsea grocery store to a company operating five theaters in Manhattan, that is a major player in New York’s cultural scene and one of America’s largest and most influential not-for-profit theatre companies.

Under Haimes, Roundabout married commercial growth with stunning critical and awards success, with the company winning 38 Tony Awards, 59 Drama Desk Awards, 73 Outer Critics Circle Awards, 21 Lucille Lortel Awards, 14 Audelco Awards, 14 Obie Awards and 5 Olivier Awards under his tenure.

Bernard Todd Haimes was born on May 7, 1956, in New York City.

Now available to stream on Hulu, Up Here is a love song for anyone who's ever let the mistakes of the past dictate their future. The romantic comedy takes place in New York City and uses original music to symbolize the unrelenting thoughts circulating in an individual's head. After spending their lives failing to drown out the opinions of others, Lindsay and Miguel's blossoming relationship begins to lead them down a road of self-fulfillment.

The stage musical was written and adapted for television by Steven Levenson and Danielle Sanchez-Witzel. Levenson is known for his work on the Dear Evan Hansen screenplay, while Sanchez-Witzel previously served as a producer for the Zooey-Deschanel-led comedy, New Girl. Up Here stars Mae Whitman (Good Girls) as Lindsay and Carlos Valdes (The Flash) as Miguel. The rest of the main cast includes Katie Finneran, Sophia Hammons, Emilia Suárez, Andréa Burns, John Hodgman, and Scott Porter.

Written by Steven Levenson and Danielle Sanchez-Witzel, with original songs by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, the Hulu original musical romantic comedy series Up Here follows the love story of Lindsay (Mae Whitman) and Miguel (Carlos Valdes), who must overcome their own insecurities, anxieties and fears, and ignore the voices inside their heads, if they’re going to find happiness with each other. Set in New York City in the last days of 1999, with the dread of Y2K looming, Lindsay and Miguel sing and dance their way through their journeys of self-discovery, as they try to figure things out for themselves and each other.

Written by Steven Levenson and Danielle Sanchez-Witzel, with original songs by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, the Hulu original musical romantic comedy series Up Here follows the love story of Lindsay (Mae Whitman) and Miguel (Carlos Valdes), who must overcome their own insecurities, anxieties and fears, and ignore the voices inside their heads, if they’re going to find happiness with each other. Set in New York City in the last days of 1999, with the dread of Y2K looming, Lindsay and Miguel sing and dance their way through their journeys of self-discovery, as they try to figure things out for themselves and each other.

Written by Steven Levenson and Danielle Sanchez-Witzel, with original songs by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, the Hulu original musical romantic comedy series Up Here follows the love story of Lindsay (Mae Whitman) and Miguel (Carlos Valdes), who must overcome their own insecurities, anxieties and fears, and ignore the voices inside their heads, if they’re going to find happiness with each other. Set in New York City in the last days of 1999, with the dread of Y2K looming, Lindsay and Miguel sing and dance their way through their journeys of self-discovery, as they try to figure things out for themselves and each other.

Based on the 2015 stage musical, the entirety of Up Here season 1 will be available to stream on Hulu beginning Friday, March 24th. Mae Whitman (Good Girls) stars opposite Carlos Valdes (The Flash) in the new romantic comedy and tells the story of Lindsay and Miguel—two people who have spent their lives living for others. Constantly haunted by voices of the past, the couple must work together to let go of their fears and take charge of the future.

Steven Levenson and Danielle Sanchez-Witzel adapted the live play for television with Thomas Kail serving as the director. Kail has won three Primetime Emmys and is most notably known for his work on Hamilton, Fosse/Verdon, and Grease Live! The main cast also features Katie Finneran, Sophia Hammons, Emilia Suárez, Andréa Burns, John Hodgman, and Scott Porter.

Related: Up Here Season 1 Review: Carlos Valdes & Mae Whitman Soar In Delightful Musical Rom-Com...

Husband and wife duo Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez have teamed up with Hulu to turn their original stage musical, Up Here, into a romantic comedy series for the platform. All eight episodes of the show will be available to stream beginning Friday, March 24th, and will follow Lindsay and Miguel's relationship as they fall in love in New York City. The series was developed for television by Steven Levenson and Danielle Sanchez-Witzel, with Thomas Kail serving as the director.

In addition to being executive producers, Robert and Kristen were also tasked with writing original songs for the series. The couple is well-versed in the music world, having previously worked on the Frozen and WandaVision soundtracks. Up Here stars Carlos Valdes (The Flash), Mae Whitman, Katie Finneran, Sophia Hammons, Emilia Suárez, Andréa Burns, John Hodgman, and Scott Porter.

Related: Up Here Season 1 Review: Carlos Valdes & Mae Whitman Soar In...

Spoiler Alert: This story contains spoilers for the first season of “Up Here,” now streaming on Hulu.

The first time Mae Whitman sang in front of an audience on camera, it was just her, a guitar and her “Parenthood” family cheering her on from the front row. On the NBC drama, Whitman’s reckless young character Amber finally grew up by channeling her angst through music. For character and performer alike, it required overcoming the terror of standing in front of people and bearing a piece of her soul as she sang.

Back then, it helped having her costars staring back at her.

“It really felt like I was doing a performance in front of my family,” Whitman tells Variety. “I remember getting up on stage for the scene and seeing the whole cast sitting right up front taking pictures and crying. It was a really special way to have...

A musical romantic comedy might sound good on paper, but it requires a variety of elements to pull it off. Up Here, created by Steven Levenson and Frozen’s songwriting duo Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, is the perfect mixture of breezy rom-com and energetic Broadway musical. The series aims to for an uplifting message about getting out of one’s own way, and though it loses some of its momentum at the halfway point, Up Here comes back to life in its final episodes to deliver a sweet, momentous finale.

Set in the 1990s, Lindsay (Mae Whitman) is a writer, but no one in her family takes her seriously. She’s in a seemingly stable relationship with Ned (George Hampe), but Lindsay is frustrated with the same-old routine and the lack of excitement. She feels stuck in a life she hasn’t imagined for herself. In a risky move,...