Universal Pictures has shared that the Pharrell Williams’ biopic “Golden” (formerly “Atlantis”), filmed in Virginia in 2024, has been canceled during post-production.

Statement from Andy Edmunds, director of the Virginia Film Office:

“We are extremely disappointed that the movie will not make it to a global audience. This is no reflection on the hundreds of people in Virginia who worked tirelessly on this project. The work on the ground was amazing. We are grateful for the jobs and the significant economic impact this endeavor brought to the Commonwealth.

Artists often take big swings at a vision. If the final result does not meet their expectation, they can either share it anyway or shred the canvas and try again if they can afford to do so. Pharrell Williams is a creative force of nature. Our industry is always ready for the next challenge and opportunity he may launch.”

Filmed in Central and Coastal Virginia in spring/summer 2024, the feature film, a musical inspired by Mr. Williams’ childhood in Virginia Beach, was slated to hit theaters in May 2025.

The original release announcement can be found here.

More information on the story:

Variety article

RTD article

Progress-Index article