Director Tina Gordon has signed on to direct Universal’s musical comedy, Praise This. The film revolves around a music competition set in the world of youth choirs. Gordon will rewrite the script as well. The story is based on an original idea from Tim Story‘s The Story Company.
An earlier draft of the script was written by Camilla Blackett (Fresh Off The Boat), as well as Jana Savage, Brandon Broussard and Hudson Obayuwana, the writing team collectively known as Murder Ink (Netflix’s #RealityHigh).
Gordon is best known for Drumline and ATL, and she recently worked with Universal to rewrite the script for Issa Rae‘s comedy, Little. She also adapted and co-wrote What Men Want.
Praise This is the latest musical to get the greenlight. A Cats adaptation is in development, while Steven Spielberg is remaking West Side Story.
Wes Anderson‘s next project is also reportedly a French musical, while acclaimed director Leos Carax has Adam Driver on board to star in his romantic musical, Annette. Bo Burnham also just signed on to write songs for the musical Sesame Street film.
Thus, Praise This may have a hard time separating itself from the pack. However, no one really thought Pitch Perfect had much of a shot of succeeding before it did, and Praise This has a similar premise. With so many musicals of different styles soon to arrive, who knows which ones will hit.
#Peace.Love.PraiseThis
