Netflix prepping animated film based on the life of Wyclef Jean

The film will be based on the Grammy-winner's childhood in Haiti.

Oct 29, 2018

[griojw id=”qGZqGQcM” playerid=”x9J2bwvH”]

Wyclef Jean is putting his story on film with a little helming from Netflix.

The streaming-service is prepping an animated film based on the Grammy-winner’s childhood in Haiti and we can’t wait to see it.

“I grew up in extreme poverty, but I was rich with imagination,” Jean said in a statement. “Now to see that imagination turn into reality with Netflix and my producing partners makes me want to tell the kids from the slums around the world to never stop dreaming.”

Wyclef Jean talks new album ‘Carnival III’ and Fugees reunion

The film is written by Justin Marks who says he has a special connection to the story.

“I grew up in extreme poverty, but I was rich with imagination…Now to see that imagination turn into reality with Netflix and my producing partners makes me want to tell the kids from the slums around the world to never stop dreaming,” he said in a statement.

“When I was seventeen years old, two things had a huge impact on my life: the music of Wyclef Jean and the spirit of his home country, Haiti. I’ve been lucky enough to have visited Haiti and worked alongside its people several times over the years, and I’ve long wanted to tell a story about its vibrant and resilient culture…If you’d have told Teenage Me that one day I’d get to work with Wyclef on a movie like this, I’d have never believed you. This movie is an honor and a thrill, and I’m grateful to Greg, Stampede and Netflix for making it a reality.”

Wyclef Jean tells Trump to remember sacrifices of black people

Melissa Cobb, VP of kids and family at Netflix, explained why she was attracted to the project.

“When Wyclef first came to us with the rich story idea for an animated film about his personal journey and the evolution of his music from when he was a young boy in Haiti to finding his voice in New York City – we were hooked,” she said. “Animation is a medium that travels the globe exceptionally well, and we cannot wait to share Wyclef’s unique perspective and voice with family audiences around the world.”