Pharrell Williams‘ life will be told via Legos in the new Focus Features movie Piece by Piece, directed by 20 Feet from Stardom Oscar winner Morgan Neville. The pic will hit theaters on Oct. 11.
The 13-time Grammy winner and double Oscar nominee posted about it on social today, saying: “Who would’ve thought that playing with Legos as a kid would evolve into a movie about my life. It’s proof that anyone else can do it too… #PieceByPiece.”
Piece by Piece is produced by Neville and Caitrin Rogers (Tremolo Productions) alongside producers Williams, Mimi Valdés and Shani Saxon (i am OTHER). Jill Wilfert and Keith Malone are executive producing for the Lego Group.
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 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.”
Added Williams, who earned a Best Picture Oscar nomination for Hidden Figures and a Best Song nom for “Happy”: “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. 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, SVP 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.