Pharrell Williams, known for defying conventions throughout his career as a producer, rapper, and frontman of N.E.R.D, is set to tell his story in an unexpected way. His biopic, titled “Piece By Piece,” will be an animated LEGO film. This behind-the-music documentary will explore the life of the music legend who has created hits for artists like Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, and Gwen Stefani. Check out the trailer here:
Putting cynicism aside, this film promises to be a fascinating and unique experience—a distinctly Pharrellian approach to narrating the story of a musical icon renowned for deconstructing melodies and reassembling them in his signature style. In an era saturated with conventional music biopics like Back To Black and Bob Marley: One Love, it’s refreshing to see a different medium used to capture Pharrell’s creative journey. The film also offers the exciting prospect of seeing artists like Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar, Snoop Dogg, and Justin Timberlake rendered as LEGO minifigures. Could a tie-in LEGO music studio set be on the horizon?
“Piece By Piece” boasts impressive filmmaking credentials, directed by Oscar-winning documentarian Morgan Neville, known for acclaimed works like “20 Feet From Stardom,” the Mister Rogers-focused “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?,” and this year’s two-part Steve Martin documentary. Visually, it aligns with the style of the popular LEGO movies from the mid-2010s, featuring their distinctive humor. Additionally, the film includes new music from Pharrell Williams, whose song “Happy” from “Despicable Me 2” became a massive hit. This project could be another significant success for Pharrell, both musically and cinematically.
We’ll soon discover whether Piece By Piece successfully assembles all the elements into a cohesive whole or if it feels like crucial parts are missing. The film is set to hit theaters later this year.