Key Takeaways
– Director Michel Gondry collaborates with Pharrell Williams for the forthcoming musical film Atlantis.
– Atlantis draws inspiration from Williams’ upbringing in Virginia Beach, 1977.
– The movie is partly a biographical reflection of Williams’ life.
– Martin Hynes from Toy Story 4 and Steven Levenson from Tick, Tick…Boom have jumped aboard as screenwriters.
– The film originally came to light in 2017 with Michael Mayer initially slated to direct.
Renowned Director Michel Gondry has joined hands with music superstar Pharrell Williams, actor Kelvin Harrison Jr., and Oscar winner Da’Vine Joy Randolph to produce Atlantis, a film partially based on Williams’ early life. Although Atlantis does not reveal explicit plot details at this time, the movie is expected to be a musical journey through Williams’ childhood in the urban landscape of Virginia Beach.
Development and Inspiration
Atlantis, a musical set in 1977 Virginia Beach, draws its primary inspiration from Williams’ childhood in the city’s Atlantis Apartments, as per Deadline. The idea for this film was first discussed in 2017, and interestingly, Michael Mayer, a Tony Award winner for Best Direction of a Musical for Spring Awakening, was initially set to direct.
Crew Details
Alongside Gondry standing in as the director, the screenwriting team comprises of Martin Hynes of Toy Story 4 and Steven Levenson of Tick, Tick…Boom. Gondry, known for his innovative visual storytelling style, will undoubtedly add a unique flair to Atlantis.
Recap of Gondry’s Directorial Journey
French director Michel Gondry, known for making a wider audience rediscover his talent, consistently churns out impressive works. Microbe & Gasoline, launched in 2015, was particularly remarkable, just as his direct successful venture with episodes of the Jim Carrey-starring series ‘Kidding.’ However, this collaboration with Pharrell Williams could be the chance for Gondry to reach a broader audience despite maintaining a low profile in recent years, particularly after the criticism attracted by The Green Hornet.
Cast’s Journey to Atlantis
Kelvin Harrison Jr., a rising star in Hollywood, has seen significant success lately propelled by the 2017 movie It Comes at Night and his recent role as Martin Luther King Jr. in anthology series Genius. Da’Vine Joy Randolph, meanwhile, aims to ride the wave of her recent victory for Best Supporting Actress for The Holdovers.
Pharrell Williams’ Music Journey
Pharrell Williams is not new to storytelling, even expressing his life through Lego structures. Focus Features will showcase his creative side in Piece By Piece releasing later this year. Williams, decorated with 13 Grammy Awards, of which two are for his trademark song “Happy,” has also received an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song. His life, which forms the basis of Atlantis, promises an engaging narrative.
As musical fans anticipate the release of Atlantis, the combination of Pharrell’s life story, a talented cast, and a creative director are all set to enthrall us soon. Your thoughts on Atlantis are eagerly awaited.
