Da'Vine Joy Randolph, fresh off her recent Oscar win for best supporting actress, is set to embark on an exciting new project. The talented actress is currently in discussions to join a musical in development at Universal, under the direction of acclaimed filmmaker Michel Gondry and produced by the multi-talented Pharrell Williams. The project, which is still untitled, is a coming-of-age story inspired by Williams' own upbringing in Virginia Beach during the 1970s.
The screenplay for the musical is penned by Martin Hynes and Steven Levenson, with Gondry at the helm as director. Joining Williams in the production team are Mimi Valdés and Gil Netter. This collaboration promises to bring a unique and heartfelt story to the screen, drawing from personal experiences and creative vision.
Randolph's recent success at the Oscars has catapulted her into the spotlight, following her standout performance as Mary Lamb in Alexander Payne's 'The Holdovers.' Her upcoming projects include 'Rustin,' 'The Idol,' and a role alongside Kerry Washington in 'Shadow Force.' Additionally, she has completed filming for 'Bride Hard' alongside Rebel Wilson.
Reflecting on her journey, Randolph shared during her Oscars acceptance speech, 'For so long I wanted to be different, and now I realize I just need to be myself.' Her authenticity and talent have garnered widespread acclaim, setting the stage for even more remarkable performances in the future.
Joining Randolph in the musical is Kelvin Harrison Jr., known for his roles in 'Elvis,' 'The Trial of the Chicago 7,' and 'Waves.' Gondry, a seasoned director with a diverse filmography including 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind' and 'The Science of Sleep,' brings his unique storytelling style to this project. Williams, a renowned musician and producer, adds his creative expertise to the mix, having previously worked on projects like 'Hidden Figures' and 'Sing 2.'
With a stellar cast and creative team in place, this musical promises to be a captivating and memorable cinematic experience. Randolph is represented by CAA and Fox Rothschild, while Harrison is represented by WME, Anonymous Content, and Del Shaw. The news of this exciting collaboration was first reported by Deadline, sparking anticipation among fans and industry insiders alike.