Missy Elliott Joins Cast of Upcoming Musical Film From Pharrell Williams and Michel Gondry

Grammy-winning hip-hop and R&B artist Missy Elliott has been cast in an untitled musical film directed by Michel Gondry and produced by Pharrell Williams for Universal Pictures. The film, set in Virginia Beach in the summer of 1977, is described as a coming-of-age musical inspired by the city's Atlantis Apartments and the neighborhood where Williams grew up.

Elliott joins an ensemble cast that includes Kelvin Harrison Jr., Oscar winner Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Halle Bailey, and Oscar nominee Brian Tyree Henry. The film is written by Martin Hynes and Steven Levenson and will be produced by Williams, Mimi Valdés, and Gil Netter.

While details about Elliott's specific role are being kept under wraps, the project marks her return to the big screen since her voice work in the 2004 animated film Shark Tale. Elliott, who recently became the first female hip-hop artist to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, has not worked extensively in film and television but has appeared in projects like Fox's Star and the dance-themed feature Honey.

Why this matters: The casting of Missy Elliott in this high-profile musical film highlights her enduring influence and star power in the music industry. As a pioneering female rapper with a string of hit records, Elliott's involvement is likely to generate significant buzz and anticipation for the project.

The untitled film is one of several projects Pharrell Williams has in the works, drawing inspiration from his childhood in Virginia Beach. Elliott and Williams, both hailing from the Tidewater region of Virginia in the 1990s, have a long history of collaboration, including the 2015 single "WTF (Where They From)." As Elliott prepares to headline her first-ever tour, "Out Of This World – The Missy Elliott Experience," in July 2024, her casting in this musical film contributes to the enthusiasm surrounding her career resurgence.

Key Takeaways

• Missy Elliott cast in untitled musical film directed by Michel Gondry.
• Film set in 1977 Virginia Beach, inspired by Atlantis Apartments and Pharrell's childhood.
• Elliott joins ensemble cast including Kelvin Harrison Jr., Da'Vine Joy Randolph, and Brian Tyree Henry.
• Elliott's casting highlights her enduring influence and star power in music industry.
• Elliott and Pharrell have a long history of collaboration, including 2015 single "WTF (Where They From)".