Katt Williams Acquires Alabama Land to Launch New Movie Studio

Comedian and actor Katt Williams is making moves in Hollywood—by expanding his reach into the world of film production. During a recent interview with GQ, Williams revealed that he has purchased a former military base in Alabama to open his very own movie studio according to Afrotech.

Although the exact location and financial details remain undisclosed, Williams’ publicist, Amy Sisoyev, confirmed the purchase to AL.com.

“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 in an email.

Following in the Footsteps of Industry Giants

Williams has expressed his ambitions to follow in the footsteps of other entertainment moguls, particularly Tyler Perry, who opened the world’s largest Black-owned movie studio. Perry’s Tyler Perry Studios, which he self-funded, was valued at $280 million in 2023, marking a significant milestone in Black entrepreneurship and film production.

“I can’t let Tyler Perry carry all that weight,” Williams remarked in the GQ interview, adding that it’s not fair to place all the pressure on Perry alone. “He can only do so much.”

A New Era for Black Ownership in Hollywood

Williams is part of a growing wave of Black filmmakers and entertainers who are seeking to take more control of the industry. In addition to Perry’s massive success, other notable figures like Anthony Mackie are also venturing into studio ownership. In 2022, Mackie purchased 20 acres of land in his hometown of New Orleans, with plans to develop a film studio. However, the details of the project’s progress have not been made public.

In April 2024, rapper and actor 50 Cent also unveiled his new studio, G-Unit Studios, in Shreveport, Louisiana. The sprawling 985,000-square-foot facility is dedicated to producing music, television, and film, with the goal of amplifying underrepresented voices and stories. In a statement to Billboard, 50 Cent expressed excitement about the new venture: “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.”

The Future of Williams' Studio

As of now, there are no official details regarding when construction will begin on Williams' new studio or what projects will be produced there. However, the move marks a significant step for Williams in the entertainment space, solidifying his role in the ongoing push for greater ownership and representation in the film industry.

Afrotech and other sources reported that Williams’ acquisition is part of a larger trend of Black figures building their own platforms in the entertainment world, signaling a shift toward independent production and ownership outside of Hollywood’s traditional power structures.

With Williams’ new studio on the horizon, it’s clear that the entertainment world is in for another exciting chapter in the growth of Black-owned media ventures.