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Pharrell Williams Biopic ‘Golden’ Canceled Ahead of Release
Universal Pictures has decided to permanently shelve the Pharrell Williams biopic, now titled Golden, which was directed by Michel Gondry. The film was set to hit theaters on May 9, 2025, but encountered significant challenges in the editing phase that ultimately led to its cancellation.
The project, initially referred to as Atlantis, had completed filming and entered post-production. However, according to Variety, the creative team faced insurmountable issues during the editing process. Williams and Gondry released a joint statement detailing their collective decision: “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.”
Golden was characterized as a coming-of-age musical set in the summer of 1977 in Virginia Beach, where Williams spent his childhood. The film aimed to narrate a tale of self-discovery and the pursuit of dreams, capturing the essence of Black life and culture, with an emphasis on joy. Williams previously articulated that the film would go beyond a standard narrative, aiming for a magical celebration of identity and community.
The ensemble cast featured prominent artists and actors, including fellow Virginia native Missy Elliott, Halle Bailey, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Anderson .Paak, Janelle Monáe, Tim Meadows, and Brian Tyree Henry, among others, contributing to the film’s potential appeal.
Despite a previously announced release date set for May 9, 2025, Golden will not be available through any distribution channels, resembling other projects that have been canceled and regarded as tax write-offs, such as Batgirl and Coyote Vs. Acme. The film will remain forever stalled in its incomplete state, as noted by Variety.
Source
www.rollingstone.com