A star -studded film music about childhood of Pharrell Williams have been permanently stopped and will not see release in any capacity, Amount can report exclusively.
The project in question is ”Golden“Originally entitled” Atlantis “and was directed by Michel Gondry (“Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind”). It was set for wide theater release from Universal images May 5, although sources say the date was pressed internally last year. It has a heavyweight 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 established and financed the effort as part of their long -standing creative partnership with Williams (who is particularly a composer and artist for blockbuster “Despicable Me” franchis). Several sources told us Amount that the project was suspended after unanimous agreement from producers and Gondry that the film did not live up to its developed performance. Gil Netter (“The Blind Side”) served as a producer with Williams and his creative partner Mimi was elected.
“When we all entered the editing room, we collectively decided that there was no way forward to tell the version of this story that we originally imagined,” Williams and Gondry told Amount in a joint statement. “We appreciate all hard work from the talented role and the crew. While we are disappointed that we cannot deliver this movie, we have incredible partners in Universal and will cooperate in another capacity soon. “
Sources that are familiar with the situation said that Universal will absorb about $ 20 million in costs that have already been used for production. The studio had no comment on the issue in addition to the statement from Williams and Gondry. Three individuals with knowledge of “Golden” said that the film was in early post -production, which means it will never be completed but everyone involved has been paid for completed work.
It is understandable why Universal would take the economic hit in favor of its relationship with Williams, although it is very unusual to go away from a movie so far along. There have been preceded in cases such as Warner Bros. Pictures shelf movies Including “Batgirl” and “Coyote vs. Acme” to require tax losses, although this is not the case with Universal – a studio that is a strange position to call it a day at the request of its creator.
The studio is home for more comprehensive offers than any of its competitors, including first glance and exclusive pacts with Jordan Peele, Amy Pascal, Phil Lord and Chris Miller, Lebron James, Will Packer, Judd Apatow and Daniels to name a few. Last year, Universal’s prestige Label Focus features released “Bit by bit”, a documentary about William’s life and career told with Lego figures.
What is less clear is why and how the movie cannot move on to the satisfaction of its creative.
In November, Williams offered a first (now the only one) look at “Golden” to Empire journal. He discussed the differences between “bit by bit” and “Golden”, which was set to contain original music from award -winning songwriting duo Pasek and Paul in collaboration with Williams.
“‘By by piece’ is about my life, while Golden is about an area I grew up in. I am a musical expedition that sat in the summer of 1977 in Virginia Beach,” Williams said at that time. “It is a story about the future age about self -discovery and pursues your dreams, but it is so much more magical than that. It is a celebration of black life, black culture and most importantly, black joy. “
Williams currently serves as men’s creative manager at the Louis Vuitton fashion house. He most recently contributed original music to Tyler Perry movie “The Six Triple Eight”, released by Netflix in December. Gondry’s credits include “The Science of Sleep”, “The Book of Solutions” and Jim Carrey series “Kidding”. His next project is the animated “Maya, give me a title”, about his relationship with his daughter. It will be shown on this month’s Berlin Film Festival.
