Universal Pictures has obtained worldwide rights to distribute Outkast’s untitled HBO Films project, a 1930s musical that follows the aspirations of two southern entertainers, played by Andre 3000 and Big Boi.
Andre 3000 plays a club piano player named Percival, and Big Boi plays Rooster, the club’s lead performer and manager.
The film will also spawn new songs from the Atlanta duo’s next soundtrack album, due out later this year.
“Their videos have taken the synthesis of music, cinema and style to a whole new dimension,” said HBO Films President Colin Callender in a
statement.
“We are proud and excited that they have chosen to work with HBO to bring their unique vision of an original musical to the screen.”
The musical is the feature film debut for director Bryan Barber, who has directed numerous OutKast music videos.
“It was a pleasure collaborating with Bryan Barber and OutKast in 2002, and I knew then that their talents would translate across all creative mediums,” said producer Chuck Roven.
The film was shot on location in Wilmington, North Carolina and at Universal City, CA.
Cast members include Terrence Howard, Ving Rhames, Faizon Love, Malinda Williams, Paula Jai Parker, Patti LaBelle, and Macy Gray.