Universal Pictures’ upcoming comedy Praise This has filled out its cast.
Stargirl‘s Anjelika Washington, internet comedian Druski, Migos member Quavo, Tristan Mack Wilds, Koryn Hawthorne and Jekalyn Carr are joining Chloe Bailey as the top line cast of the film, according to Deadline. Also joining Praise This are up-and-comers and industry vets including Cocoa Brown (P-Valley), Kiara Iman Heffner, Birgundi Baker (Black Lightning), Ilario Grant, Loren Lott (The Young and the Restless, Cherish the Day), Crystal Renee Hayslett (Sistas), internet comedian Kountry Wayne and Vanessa Fraction (106 & Park). Production on the film has already started in June.
The film is described as a “music-competition feature comedy set in the world of youth choirs.” According to prior reporting, the film is positioned as a franchise like the Pitch Perfect franchise.
Tina Gordon will direct; she has also written the most recent draft of the screenplay. The story is based on an original idea by The Story Company, with prior drafts by Camilla Blackett and Murder Ink, a trio comprised of Brandon Broussard, Hudson Obayuwana and Jana Savage.
The film will be produced by Will Packer Productions. Will Packer Productions’ EVP Johanna Byer is executive producing with The Story Company’s co-founder/CEO Tim Story. Universal’s Senior Executive Vice President of Production Erik Baiers and Director of Production Development Tony Ducret are overseeing the film for Universal.
Praise This is expected to come to Peacock via Packer’s deal with Universal in 2023.