Pharrell Williams Talks About His LEGO Biopic: "This is an Amazing Experience"

Pharrell Williams and director Morgan Neville recently shared insights with NME about the upcoming LEGO animation biopic, 'Piece By Piece.' Set to hit cinemas this 11th of October, the film dives into Williams’ illustrious career, showcasing key moments such as his time with The Neptunes alongside Chad Hugo, collaborations with Snoop Dogg and Gwen Stefani and more.

The newly released trailer offers a glimpse into this creative journey, featuring LEGO versions of Williams and Neville in an interview, interspersed with scenes from the movie. Williams narrates his career milestones, with cameos from his renowned collaborators.

Also Read: ‘MaXXXine’ Trailer: See Mia Goth in The New Horror Sequel

Directed by the acclaimed Morgan Neville and co-produced by Williams' company, i am OTHER, 'Piece By Piece' promises a unique cinematic experience. Williams shared with NME his initial self-consciousness about his career. Reflecting on his early work, he noted, “I thought that I was responsible for every song and record I sold… I would always beat my chest and say, ‘It was us. We’re the best.’ Then I turned 40 and realised it’s not always about you.”

Williams was humbled by the success of his 2013 hits, 'Happy' and 'Get Lucky' with Daft Punk. This realisation, he explained, made him understand the importance of gratitude and collaboration, leading to his now iconic prayer pose. Initially resistant to the idea of making a documentary, he was convinced by his agent's suggestion to do it his way – in LEGO. This unconventional approach was warmly received by Neville, who was thrilled to embark on the project.

Neville’s approach to documentary-making focuses on understanding the person behind the career. He remarked, “If you look at Pharrell’s career on paper, he’s done so many different things in so many different ways… once you understand how he thinks and his journey, everything starts to make sense.” This sentiment is echoed in the film, which features Williams' celebrity friends who contribute authentically to his story.

The film is described as a blend of documentary, biopic, animation and musical. Neville emphasised the authenticity of the narrative, stating, “Everything in the film is real. It’s what somebody said, or remembered, or said somebody said.”

Williams praised Neville’s ability to portray his life with emotional depth and vulnerability. He admitted to feeling self-conscious at times but appreciated Neville’s skill in capturing his true self. This experience allowed Williams to shed his polished persona and simply be.

Neville believes 'Piece By Piece' offers more than just a recount of Williams’ achievements; it’s a relatable story about finding, keeping, and sharing one's voice. Williams acknowledged the collaborative effort in selecting moments to document, crediting his producing partner Mimi Valdés and his team for their input.

When asked why the movie is in LEGO, Williams responded, “I never wanted to do a standard documentary.” Instead, he aimed to defy expectations and showcase his multifaceted nature. As a maverick, he embraces his pluralist identity, constantly pushing boundaries beyond music.