Janelle Monáe Joins Missy, Halle Bailey, And More In Upcoming Pharrell Williams Musical

A pending musical from Pharrell Williams is shaping up with a star-studded cast. The most recent addition to the talent list is Janelle Monáe, who was announced to have joined the project on Thursday (May 2), per Deadline.

Earlier this week, Missy Elliott was also revealed to be included in the cast. As previously announced, the unnamed musical, directed by Michel Gondry, is set to be led by Halle Bailey and features Brian Tyree Henry, Kelvin Harrison Jr., and Da’Vine Joy Randolph, thus far.

While specific details surrounding the project are not yet public, it is known that the movie is a “coming-of-age musical set in Virginia Beach in the summer of 1977, inspired by Atlantis Apartments, Williams’ childhood neighborhood.”

Williams and Mimi Valdés are set to produce through i am OTHER, and Gil Netter will produce through Gil Netter Productions. Additionally, the script was penned by Martin Hynes and Steven Levenson. According to Deadline, Universal Picture’s Senior Vice President of Production Development, Ryan Jones, and Director of Production Development, Christine Sun are overseeing the film for the studio.

As fans await the stacked debut, they can anticipate the Neptunes producer’s story in a different medium. Williams is set to explore his life story with Legos and Focus Features in a new biopic, Piece By Piece, due in October 2024. The film will be produced by Oscar Award-winner Morgan Neville and Caitrin Rogers 

“Pharrell Williams is a true trailblazer whose influence across music, art, and fashion continually reshapes global culture with an undeniable sense of joy,” explained Focus Features Chairman Peter Kujawsk.

Neville added, “Five years ago, Pharrell Williams approached me with the idea of helping him tell his story through Lego animation. It was one of those rare moments where I knew in a second that this was a journey I wanted to go on.”

He continued, “I’m grateful to our partners at Focus Features and at the Lego Group for their belief in our crazy mission. We assembled an incredible team of creative collaborators to help make a new type of film. I can’t wait for people to see it.”