Da'Vine Joy Randolph is in talks to star in a new musical.

Da'Vine Joy Randolph is set to appear in a musical movie inspired by the childhood of Pharrell Williams

Da'Vine Joy Randolph is set to appear in a musical movie inspired by the childhood of Pharrell Williams

The Oscar-winning actress is said to be in negotiations to appear in the untitled Universal film from director Michel Gondry and producer Pharrell Williams.

The project is thought to be a coming-of-age musical that draws inspiration from the 'Happy' hitmaker's upbringing in Virginia Beach during the 1970s and Kelvin Harrison Jr. is already confirmed to star.

Gondry will direct from a script by Martin Hynes and Steven Levenson with Williams, Mimi Valdes and Gil Netter all serving as producers.

Da'Vine, 37, recently won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress after starring as grieving mother Mary Lamb in 'The Holdovers' and explained that she is hoping to "infiltrate" genres where minorities are not traditionally represented in the film industry.

She told Variety magazine: "I don't just want to do black movies. I will always pay tribute to, honour, uplift and be a part of black storytelling, but I need to infiltrate and get in the spaces where we're not.

"I want to be in a Wes Anderson movie just 'cause. I want to be in a David O. Russell movie just 'cause. Coen brothers. I've never seen us there.

"Because that's when I think we can really bring about educating and creating real change. If we just stay by ourselves, nothing is going to change."

The Oscar win capped off a superb awards season for Randolph although she has insisted that the success will not "change" her.

Asked the difference between her now and before her Academy Awards triumph, she said: "There isn’t one. There’s a trophy in my house now, but I’m not different. You can’t come from Philadelphia and be changed; they won’t let you. This will be who I am.

"The roles will get better, the money will improve, the lines will get better. I hope to make a legacy and leave an imprint with this career. I hope my work will matter, and it will be something that people of all shapes, sizes, colours, creeds and genders can connect to.

"But me, and the soul of me, won’t change."


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