Kendrick Lamar’s highly anticipated debut film White Springs has officially been delayed. Originally slated for a July 11, 2025 release on Paramount+, the live-action comedy will now premiere on March 20, 2026, studio reps confirmed ahead of CinemaCon this week.
Produced by Kendrick Lamar, Matt Stone and Trey Parker (South Park creators), and longtime collaborator Dave Free, the project marks Kendrick’s first full step into the world of narrative filmmaking — and it’s shaping up to be as bold and thought-provoking as his music.
What is White Springs About?
According to the official synopsis, White Springs tells the story of a young Black man working as a slave re-enactor at a living history museum, who finds out that his white girlfriend’s ancestors once owned his. The plot is expected to tackle race, history, and identity through a satirical and dramatic lens, blending Kendrick’s signature introspection with Parker and Stone’s boundary-pushing comedy.
Cast and Crew
The film stars Kendrick Lamar, Chloe East (The Fabelmans, Heretic), and Celeste Octavia. Direction is handled by Trey Parker, while the script was written by Vernon Chatman, known for his surreal, genre-bending work on shows like Wonder Showzen and The Shivering Truth.
Why the Delay?
While an official reason hasn’t been given, the delay likely allows more time for post-production and global marketing rollout, especially considering Kendrick’s busy Grand National Tour with SZA, which kicks off April 19 in Minnesota and wraps up August 9 in Stockholm. He’ll also play two major shows at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London this summer.
Paramount’s CEO Brian Robbins remains optimistic about the project, previously calling Chatman’s script “one of the funniest and original scripts” he’s ever read. “We look forward to ushering in the first theatrical collaboration from these creative visionaries,” Robbins said.
Filming began in October 2024 in Pomona, California, and with names like Lamar, Parker, and Chatman involved, White Springs is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing releases of 2026.
‘South Park’ creators Trey Parker & Matt Stone’s new musical comedy movie, produced by Kendrick Lamar, has been delayed to March 2026.
(Source: @MattBelloni) pic.twitter.com/u00yPUmwrf
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) March 31, 2025
