The film, titled Golden, was supposed to be released in theatres by Universal Pictures on May 5.
Golden was directed by Michel Gondry. (Photo Credit: X)
A big-budget musical about the childhood of renowned singer and record producer Pharrell Williams has been permanently shelved. The film, titled Golden (originally Atlantis), was directed by Michel Gondry, best known for Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. It was supposed to be released in theaters by Universal Pictures on May 5. However, according to Variety citing sources, the release date was delayed internally last year before the movie was ultimately cancelled.
The movie featured a star-studded cast 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 had backed the project as part of its long-term collaboration with Williams who has also worked on the Despicable Me franchise as a composer and performer.
According to Variety, the decision to cancel the film was made by the producers and director Michel Gondry who felt that the final product did not match their original vision. In a joint statement to Variety, Williams and Gondry said, “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.”
Variety’s sources stated that Universal has already spent about $20 million on the project which had reached the early stages of post-production. Though the movie will never be completed, everyone involved has been paid for their work.
Last year, Universal’s Focus Features released a special documentary about Williams called Piece by Piece. The film told his life story using Lego figures.
In November last year, Pharrell spoke to Empire Magazine and gave the first look at Golden. He explained how it was different from Piece by Piece.
“’Piece By Piece’ is about my life, whereas Golden is about a neighbourhood that I grew up in. It’s a musical expedition set in the summer of 1977 in Virginia Beach. It’s a coming-of-age story about self-discovery and pursuing your dreams, but it’s so much more magical than that. It’s a celebration of Black life, Black culture, and most importantly, Black joy,” Williams had said.
Meanwhile, Pharrell Williams is currently serving as the men’s creative director at Louis Vuitton. He has also worked on the soundtrack for the Netflix film The Six Triple Eight, directed by Tyler Perry and released in December.
