Been wondering where Michel Gondry has been lately? Believe it or not, the Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind director hasn’t done a major film since 2011’s The Green Hornet. Following last year’s French comedy The Book of Solutions (I’m betting none of you saw it), Gondry is headed to Universal for a project that sees him teaming up with Pharrell Williams and possibly Oscar-winning The Holdovers star Da’Vine Joy Randolph.
Deadline reports Gondry will direct a period coming-of-age musical set in 1977 Virginia Beach, inspired by Pharrell’s childhood growing up there in the Atlantis Apartments. Cyrano and Waves actor Kelvin Harrison Jr. is already on board, with Randolph in final talks to join. The film has a script by Toy Story 4 writer Martin Hynes and Tick, Tick…Boom! writer Steven Levenson. Williams and Mimi Valdés are producing.
I think there was always the hope Gondry would do another big Hollywood movie, but nobody could’ve expected this. Then again, anything he does will have unique visuals and production values. The creative combo of Gondry and Pharrell could be incredible.