Focus Features released the trailer for the upcoming Pharrell Williams biopic/memoir Piece by Piece. Unlike most biopics, this film will work with the LEGO Group and portray Williams’ story through Lego pieces.
The trailer highlights Williams’ life from his love of music and its colorful rhythms at a young age to stardom in the music industry. While the film is based on real events and includes real people, the animation gives the film an almost whimsical, fantastical feel, especially in the scene where Williams described being able to see colors come from the speakers as a kid whenever he listened to music.
Despite this incredibly unorthodox approach, Focus Features and Williams have shown incredible passion for the project since its early days. When the former approached the singer with the pitch to make a movie based on his life, Williams agreed and asked if they could tell the story through Lego pieces. Williams explained, “Building with Lego bricks encourages us to follow our imagination.” He was grateful for the chance to work with director Morgan Neville (Won’t You Be My Neighbor), calling him “a legend.”
The LEGO Group expressed their gratitude for the chance to work with something unique for its time. Entertainment SVP Jill Wilfert explained their mission statement was: “The Lego brick is the ultimate creative medium, allowing people to build, unbuild, and rebuild in as many ways as they can imagine.” Since Williams has reinvented and innovated his image and career, Wilfert noted that his story would fit perfectly with Lego pieces. “The combined creativity of Pharrell and the Lego brick is truly something special to see come together,” she gushed.
Piece by Piece will build its way to theatres on October 11, promising Pharrell Williams and LEGO fans a unique experience. “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,” Williams mused happily.