Home News

Janelle Monae Inks First-Look Movie Deal With Universal

Janelle Monáe and her Wondaland Pictures have found a home at Universal.

When up-and-coming cartoonist Keef Knight has a traumatic run-in with the police, he begins to see the world in an entirely new way.

The Grammy winner and her multimedia company have signed a first-look deal with the studio, under which they will focus on projects that champion underrepresented voices and new perspectives. Wondaland's execs also include managing partner Mikael Moore, creative director Chuck Lightning and executive producer Nate Wonder.

“There is an exciting, artistic revolution taking place in our industry, and Janelle and the talented team at Wondaland are at the forefront,” said Universal chairman Donna Langley. “Their forward-thinking, inclusive approach to content and storytelling make them a perfect fit for our studio.”

The pact continues Monáe's working relationship with Universal. She will next be seen in the studio's Welcome to Marwen (out Dec. 21) and is set for Focus Features' Harriet Tubman biopic, Harriet.

After landing roles in best picture winner Moonlight and the Oscar-nominated Hidden Figures, the six-time Grammy nominee has lined up a number of high-profile projects. Along with Marwen and Harriet, the actress will also voice star in Disney's live-action Lady and the Tramp.

Wondaland is repped by WME and Ziffren Brittenham.

This article originally appeared on The Hollywood Reporter.

Newswire

Arrow Created with Sketch. Calendar Created with Sketch. Path Created with Sketch. Shape Created with Sketch. Plus Created with Sketch. minus Created with Sketch.