Pharrell’s biopic ‘Golden’ is canceled: What you need to know

Pharrell Williams’ much-anticipated film, Golden, was recently scrapped during post-production. The project, directed by Michel Gondry, would have recounted Williams’ upbringing in Virginia Beach. 

If you live in Richmond or Virginia Beach, you may have seen production crews and your local street transported to the 1970s this past summer (I even know some locals who were hired as extras).

For a long time, this public production was a mystery to residents and business owners. The production crew was very secretive about their film, but soon, Virginians discovered that local legend Pharrell Williams was filming his musical biopic. 

The excitement for this film, originally titled “Atlantis” after the apartment complex Williams grew up in, was palpable. It’s not every day that Virginia is displayed (in all its glory!) on the big screen. 

Sadly, we’ll never get to see the finished project because the film will never see a full release. 

Soon after filming, Williams and the production team went to the editing room to create the final film, but all parties agreed that the movie they had didn’t fulfill their vision.

The film’s cast included Halle Bailey, Missy Elliott, Quinta Brunson, and many more, and had an anticipated release date of May 5, 2025.  

Golden was meant to celebrate Williams’  hometown, and the “Black joy” that surrounded his childhood and eventual success. But locals must wait for another production to see their hometown in lights. 

Another biopic about Williams was released last year. The Piece by Piece film is an animated Lego-style movie that recounts the singer’s rise to stardom.