Piece by Piece (2024 film)
Piece by Piece | |
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![]() Teaser poster | |
Directed by | Morgan Neville |
Produced by |
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Starring | |
Edited by | Aaron Wickenden |
Music by | Pharrell Williams (songs and themes) |
Production companies | |
Distributed by | Focus Features (United States) Universal Pictures (International) |
Release date |
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Country | United States |
Language | English |
Piece by Piece is an upcoming American animated biographical musical film directed by Morgan Neville. It tells the story of the life of American musician Pharrell Williams (who stars, co-produces and contributes original music) in the style of Lego animation. A co-production between The Lego Group, I Am Other and Tremolo Productions, it will be the fifth theatrical Lego film and the first following the end of Warner Bros. Pictures' run of its film series, beginning Universal Pictures' run as holder of the Lego film rights. Williams also serves as a producer. It stars Williams, Gwen Stefani, Kendrick Lamar, Timbaland, Justin Timberlake, Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg, Busta Rhymes and Colin Clive.
Piece by Piece is scheduled to be released theatrically on October 11, 2024, by Focus Features in the United States, and Universal Pictures internationally.
Voice cast
- Pharrell Williams as Himself
- Gwen Stefani as Herself
- Kendrick Lamar as Himself
- Timbaland as Himself
- Justin Timberlake as Himself
- Jay-Z as Himself
- Snoop Dogg as Himself
- Busta Rhymes as Himself
- Colin Clive as Dr. Henry Frankenstein (archive footage from Frankenstein)
Production
In November 2018, Variety reported that Illumination had plans to make a new animated film with the studio's frequent musical collaborator Pharrell Williams that would be "made from scratch".[1] In January 2024, it was announced that Focus Features, Tremolo Productions, and I Am Other were developing an animated biographical film about the life and career of Williams in the style of Lego animation. Morgan Neville had been hired to direct, with Williams producing. Williams was not interested in making a "traditional" biopic, but rather convey the story in a more imaginative and "genre-defining" way, where audiences would "immerse in a world where the possibilities are endless".[2] It was not specified if the film would be in the same computer animation style as The Lego Movie (2014) or if it would be stop motion with actual Lego. Williams posted the film's poster to his Instagram account as part of the announcement.[3]
Prior to the announcement, the film had been in development for about five years.[4] Williams approached Neville with the idea for the film in early 2019, to which Neville agreed to help develop the project.[5][6] Williams composed original music for the project.[7]
On June 6, 2024, Pharrell Williams, Gwen Stefani, Kendrick Lamar, Timbaland, Justin Timberlake, Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg, Busta Rhymes and Colin Clive were revealed to be cast in the film.[8] In an interview published that day with Variety, Neville revealed that Daft Punk also appear in the film.[7]
Marketing
On June 6, 2024, Focus Features and Williams revealed the first trailer for the film.[7] The trailer features Lego Williams and director Neville in a sit-down interview, which then transitions to Williams narrating his career highlights.[9]
Release
Piece by Piece is scheduled to be released in the United States by Focus Features on October 11, 2024.[2]
References
- ^ Lang, Brent (November 6, 2018). "Inside Illumination's Plans for Animated 'Super Mario Bros.' Movie". Variety. Archived from the original on November 6, 2018. Retrieved November 6, 2018.
- ^ a b Earl, William (January 26, 2024). "Pharrell Williams Creating a Lego Animated Biopic With Focus Features". Variety. Retrieved January 26, 2024.
- ^ "Instagram". www.instagram.com. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
- ^ Curto, Justin (January 26, 2024). "Pharrell Is Stacking (Lego) Bricks for His Biopic". Vulture. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
- ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (January 26, 2024). "Pharrell Williams Lego Movie 'Piece By Piece' About Singer's Life Getting Fall Release From Focus Features". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
- ^ Bergeson, Samantha (January 26, 2024). "Pharrell Williams Announces Lego-Inspired Biopic 'Piece by Piece' at Focus Features". IndieWire. Retrieved January 27, 2024.
- ^ a b c Jackson, Angelique (June 6, 2024). "Pharrell Williams Debuts Trailer for His Lego Animated Biopic 'Piece by Piece' — and Teases Two New Tracks". Variety. Retrieved June 6, 2024.
- ^ Seemayer, Zach (June 6, 2024). "Pharrell Williams Biopic: First 'Piece by Piece' Trailer Features Gwen Stefani, JAY-Z and More". Entertainment Tonight. Retrieved June 6, 2024.
- ^ Williams, Kyann-Sian (June 6, 2024). "Pharrell Williams tells us about his biopic in LEGO, 'Piece By Piece': "This is an amazing experience of history for me"". NME. Retrieved June 6, 2024.
External links
- Upcoming films
- 2024 films
- 2024 animated films
- 2020s American films
- 2020s American animated films
- 2020s English-language films
- 2020s musical drama films
- African-American animated films
- African-American biographical dramas
- African-American musical films
- American biographical drama films
- American historical films
- American musical drama films
- Cultural depictions of hip hop musicians
- Cultural depictions of pop musicians
- Focus Features animated films
- Focus Features films
- Universal Pictures animated films
- Universal Pictures films
- Upcoming IMAX films