In an exclusive report by Variety, a star-studded movie musical focusing on Pharrell Williams' childhood, titled Golden (previously known as Atlantis), has been permanently shelved by Universal Pictures. Directed by the acclaimed Michel Gondry, known for Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, the film was poised for a wide release on May 5. However, conflicting reports indicate that the release date was pushed back significantly last year. Featuring a heavyweight ensemble including Kelvin Harrison Jr., Halle Bailey, DaVine Joy Randolph, and Janelle Monáe, the film's production was a collaborative effort between Universal and Williams, who is famed for his contributions to the Despicable Me franchise. According to industry insiders, the project's abrupt cancellation followed a collective realization among producers and Gondry that it fell short of their original vision. In a joint statement, Williams and Gondry expressed their disappointment and gratitude for the effort put in by the cast and crew, confirming that they will explore other collaborations with Universal. Sadly, the film remains unfinished in early postproduction, with Universal absorbing approximately $20 million in already spent production costs. This decision reflects Universal's commitment to its long-standing partnership with Williams, even as it becomes rare for studios to abandon projects so late in the process. This case echoes recent industry incidents where films like Warner Bros.' Batgirl were shelved to capitalize on tax losses. As Williams continues his role as the creative director at Louis Vuitton, and Gondry moves forward with his next animated project, fans are left to ponder what might have been. Notably, Williams previously depicted his life in the documentary Piece by Piece, which offered a LEGO-inspired visual narrative. Golden was anticipated to be a profound coming-of-age musical journey set against the vibrant backdrop of Black life and culture in 1977 Virginia Beach, spotlighting themes of self-discovery and joy.
