Pharell announced a quite unique interpretation of the biopic format today. The movie will tell the artist’s story through the medium of LEGO animation.
The movie will be directed by Morgan Neville and will be released in cinemas this October.
The production companies behind the movie released a statement about this project today and The LEGO Group has licensed the movie. You can read the full press release below.
No news as of yet if there will be LEGO (play)sets to accompany the movie. Let’s hope we get some more news on that in the near feature since it would be a great way to diversify the product and bring it to new audiences.
Pharell himself posted this on his social media:
Who would’ve thought that playing with LEGO as a kid would evolve into a movie about my life. It’s proof that anyone else can do it too… #PieceByPiece.
Are you excited by the prospects of this new LEGO animated movie? And what kind of LEGO sets would you love to see made for this movie? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Official details:
Focus Features Partners with Pharrell Williams’ i am OTHER and the LEGO Group on ‘Piece by Piece’ a Groundbreaking New Film From Academy Award® Winning Director Morgan Neville
Studio Sets October 11, 2024 Theatrical Release Date
PIECE BY PIECE is an unparalleled motion picture experience that captures the magic and brilliance of Pharrell Williams’ creative genius, one LEGO® brick at a time. Uninterested in making a traditional film about his life, Pharrell set out to tell his story in a way that would set audience’s imaginations free. Developed from his singular vision, PIECE BY PIECE defies genres and expectations to transport audiences into a LEGO® world where anything is possible. From Focus Features, PIECE BY PIECE was directed by Academy Award® winner Morgan Neville and produced by Neville and Caitrin Rogers (Tremolo Productions) alongside producers Pharrell Williams, Mimi Valdés, and Shani Saxon (i am OTHER). Jill Wilfert and Keith Malone are executive producing for the LEGO Group. The film will debut in theaters on October 11, 2024.
Said Focus Features Chairman Peter Kujawski, “Pharrell Williams is a true trailblazer whose influence across music, art and fashion continually reshapes global culture with an undeniable sense of joy. In partnering with the inimitable Morgan Neville and the limitless creativity of the LEGO brand his visionary spirit comes to life in a wholly unique and uplifting way that will inspire everyone to dance, to sing, and to use their voice to build the world they want to see, brick by brick, and piece by piece.”
Added Morgan Neville “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. 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.”
“When I had this crazy vision to tell this story through LEGO bricks, I couldn’t have imagined a better partner than Morgan. He is a legend,” said Pharrell Williams. “Grateful that Focus wanted to collaborate with us and I’m honored to share this with the world and bring people into my universe. Building with LEGO bricks encourages us to follow our imagination…who would’ve thought that playing with these toys as a kid would evolve into a movie about my life. It’s proof that anyone else can do it too.”
Jill Wilfert, Senior Vice President, Entertainment Partners and Content, the LEGO Group added; “Pharrell is a true visionary and is someone who continually pushes the boundaries of what creativity means; something very close to our hearts here at the LEGO Group. We believe the LEGO brick is the ultimate creative medium, allowing people to build, unbuild and rebuild in as many ways as they can imagine, mirroring how Pharrell has continually innovated in his own life. Getting the opportunity to partner with him; with an incredible storyteller like Morgan Neville; and the wonderful team at Focus Features has been truly inspiring. The combined creativity of Pharrell and the LEGO brick is truly something special to see come together.”
Williams alongside i am OTHER, Neville and the PIECE BY PIECE film are represented by WME.