Paramount Pictures has officially removed Kendrick Lamar’s upcoming, still-untitled comedy from its release slate, marking the film’s second major delay and adding even more mystery to one of the most talked-about projects quietly brewing in Hollywood.
The film — developed by Lamar’s company pgLang in collaboration with South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone — was previously expected to hit theaters on March 20, 2026. That date has now been cleared, and the studio has not set a new one. For fans eagerly waiting for Lamar’s first foray into live-action filmmaking, the move raises questions but also signals the team’s determination to shape the project on their own terms.
In a brief joint statement, pgLang and Park County confirmed the change, acknowledging simply, “It’s true — we’re moving again. We’re working hard at finishing the movie.” While the message was short, it emphasized what many insiders have suggested: the film is still being actively crafted, refined, and aligned with the vision of its creators.
First announced in 2024, the comedy generated immediate buzz thanks to its bold and provocative premise. The story reportedly follows a young Black man who works as a slave reenactor at a living-history museum, only to discover that his white girlfriend’s ancestors once owned his — a satirical setup that blends Lamar’s sharp cultural commentary with Parker and Stone’s signature edge. The screenplay is written by Vernon Chatman, known for his work on dark, surreal comedy projects.
Before this latest change, the film had already been pushed from its original July 4, 2025 release date, a sign that the team has been navigating a tight production schedule while simultaneously managing their own high-profile commitments. Lamar has spent much of the past year in motion, headlining global performances and brand collaborations. Parker and Stone continue their ongoing work on South Park and their expanding multimedia ventures. With three powerhouses at the center of the project, delays were widely viewed as possible — even expected.
Still, anticipation for the film remains high, both because of Lamar’s creative influence and because the collaboration itself feels unprecedented. A Grammy-, Emmy-, and Pulitzer-winning artist partnering with two of television’s most provocative comedic minds sets the stage for a film that could spark conversation far beyond its plot.
While Paramount’s updated release calendar leaves the project without a date, there’s no indication that it has been shelved. Instead, the move appears to be a recalibration — a chance for the creators to take the time they need to deliver a film as bold, challenging, and culturally charged as audiences expect.
For now, fans will have to wait a little longer. But considering the talent behind it, this might be one delay worth sitting through.
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