The highly anticipated musical film Golden, which was set to chronicle the childhood of Pharrell Williams, has officially been shelved—permanently. The project, originally titled Atlantis, was directed by Michel Gondry (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind) and was slated for a theatrical release through Universal Pictures. However, after facing internal delays, the studio has pulled the plug entirely.
For a film with this much talent attached, the news is a gut punch. Golden had assembled a powerhouse cast featuring Kelvin Harrison Jr., Halle Bailey, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Brian Tyree Henry, Janelle Monáe, Missy Elliott, Quinta Brunson, Anderson .Paak, Jaboukie Young-White, Tim Meadows (Dream Scenario), Jaboukie Young-White (C’mon C’mon), Jamilah Rosemond (Rustin), and Jayson Lee. It was also backed by Williams and longtime collaborator Mimi Valdes, along with producer Gil Netter (The Blind Side). With original music by the award-winning duo Pasek and Paul, it was shaping up to be a celebration of Black culture, music, and joy—until it wasn’t.
So, what happened?
According to sources, Golden didn’t come together the way its creators had envisioned. After getting into the editing room, both the filmmakers and producers agreed that the story they set out to tell just wasn’t coming to life. In a joint statement to Variety, Williams and Gondry explained, “When all of us got into the editing room, we collectively decided there wasn’t a path forward to tell the version of this story that we originally envisioned. We appreciate all the hard work of the talented cast and crew. While we’re disappointed we can’t deliver this film, we have incredible partners at Universal and will collaborate in a different capacity again soon.”
Despite the creative roadblock, Universal is taking a massive financial hit, absorbing an estimated $20 million in production costs. Unlike Warner Bros., which has shelved films like Batgirl and Coyote vs. Acme for tax purposes, this wasn’t a financial decision—it was a creative one. And that’s what makes it even more rare. Universal has a track record of sticking with projects, even through challenges. For them to walk away from one this far along suggests that Golden was simply not salvageable.
It’s a shame, considering what Golden was supposed to represent. In a November interview with Empire, Williams described the film as a magical coming-of-age story set in 1977 Virginia Beach, centering on themes of self-discovery, dreams, and Black joy. “It’s a celebration of Black life, Black culture, and most importantly, Black joy,” he shared.
Now, that vision will remain unrealized.
Williams, of course, isn’t slowing down—he recently contributed original music to Tyler Perry’s The Six Triple Eight on Netflix, and he continues to dominate the fashion world as Louis Vuitton’s Men’s Creative Director. As for Gondry, he’s moving forward with new projects, including his upcoming animated film Maya, Give Me a Title, set to premiere at the Berlin Film Festival.
While Golden will never see the light of day, Williams and Universal’s partnership remains intact. And if history tells us anything, it’s that both parties will be back with something bigger and bolder before long.