Universal has recently announced the release date for the highly anticipated Pharrell Williams-Michel Gondry musical feature, Atlantis, slated for May 9, 2025. The film is a personal project for Williams, drawing inspiration from his childhood spent at the Virginia Beach Atlantis Apartments in the summer of 1977.
Unlike traditional biopics, Atlantis takes a distinctive approach to storytelling, with the upcoming Focus Features biopic, Piece by Piece, offering a glimpse into Williams’ life through Lego animation. Directed by Morgan Neville, Piece by Piece is set to debut at Telluride Film Festival this week, offering a sneak peek into the creative minds behind this innovative project.
Directed by Michel Gondry, known for his visually captivating films, Atlantis boasts a talented team of writers and producers. Martin Hynes, the mastermind behind Toy Story 4, pens the screenplay, alongside Steven Levenson, the Tony award-winning writer responsible for Dear Evan Hansen and the film adaptation of tick, tick … BOOM!
A Star-Studded Cast
The cast of Atlantis is nothing short of impressive, with a lineup of award-winning and talented actors. SAG winner Kelvin Harrison Jr., six-time Grammy nominee Halle Bailey, Oscar winner Da’Vine Joy Randolph, and Oscar nominee Brian Tyree Henry are just a few of the stars gracing the screen. Joining them are Emmy winner Quinta Brunson, eight-time Grammy winner Anderson .Paak, and Emmy nominee Tim Meadows, among others.
Original Music and Production
Pharrell Williams not only lends his acting chops to Atlantis but also showcases his musical talents by penning original songs for the film. Joining him are near EGOT-winning duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, known for their work on hit musicals. Emmy winner Mimi Valdés and Oscar nominee Gil Netter lead the production team, ensuring that Atlantis is set to be a visual and auditory treat for audiences.
Atlantis is shaping up to be a groundbreaking musical feature, blending personal storytelling with a star-studded cast and innovative production techniques. With a release date set for 2025, fans of Pharrell Williams, Michel Gondry, and musical cinema in general have much to look forward to. Stay tuned as more updates on Atlantis are sure to follow in the coming months.