Katt Williams has purchased land to open a movie studio.
During an interview with GQ, the comedian revealed he has acquired a former military base located in Alabama. It has been confirmed by Williams’ publicist, Amy Sisoyev.
“I can’t disclose the amount or exact location just yet, but I can confirm that he has purchased a former military base in Alabama,” Sisoyev said via email to AL.com.
Williams shared that he aims to follow in the footsteps of other celebrities, such as Tyler Perry. As AFROTECH™ previously reported, Perry, a self-made billionaire, opened the world’s largest Black-owned studio. The studio, which Perry self-funded, reached a valuation of $280 million in 2023.
Speaking of wanting to be next in line, Williams commented to GQ: “It’s just not fair to put all that pressure on Tyler Perry. He can only do so much.”
At the time of this writing, it is unclear when the movie studio will break ground.
Williams is part of a growing number of Black figures seeking to disrupt Hollywood and take greater control within the entertainment industry. Others include Marvel actor Anthony Mackie, who in 2022 purchased 20 acres of land to build a studio in his hometown of New Orleans, LA. However, the progress of the venture has not been revealed.
In April 2024, 50 Cent opened his 985,000-square-foot movie studio in Shreveport, LA, according to Blavity.
“As someone who has always believed in the transformative power of music, film, and television, I’m beyond excited to introduce the expansion of my G-Unit Film & Television through the launch of G-Unit Studios right here in Shreveport. From the gritty narratives of the streets to the compelling stories that define our era, G-Unit has always been more than just entertainment; it’s a platform for voices that need to be heard, stories that need to be told,” 50 Cent told Billboard.
Revolt reports the studio has been rolling out non-scripted content since July, and scripted content will be launched by January 2025.
To no surprise, 50 Cent views Perry has a mentor and had previously visited Tyler Perry Studios.
“I’m leaving no room for error Tyler showed me some sh-t today that inspired me,” he wrote on IG.
