The Ethereum-based non-fungible token (NFT) collection Doodles revealed on Thursday its plan to release an animated movie titled Dullsville and the Doodleverse, set for a summer 2024 premiere. The project will feature voiceovers and music contributions from Pharrell Williams, Dwayne 'Lil Wayne' Carter, and Coi Leray. Following the announcement, Doodles NFT sales skyrocketed by 318% in a single day, according to data from cryptoslam.io, while total secondary sales for the collection surpassed $648.49 million.
Film Details and Cast
In an X post on April 4, Doodles described the film as “a groundbreaking storytelling experience from Doodles [and] Pharrell Williams.” Coi Leray will voice the character “Deysi,” while Lil Wayne takes on the role of “Captain Stoke.” The post emphasized that Dullsville and the Doodleverse will “bridge Doodles’ iconic style with an elevated and cinematic filter, pioneering an unprecedented format of animation … and yes, OG’s are at the center of it all.” The team also promised exclusive merchandise and digital collecting opportunities tied to the film.
Release Strategy: 'Project Gray'
The film's premiere will be followed by a global rollout under the codename “Project Gray.” According to Doodles, the campaign begins in early summer and culminates in an immersive premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, after which the movie will receive a worldwide release. This approach reflects Doodles' ambition to merge NFT culture with traditional cinema and music industry channels.
Market Impact
The announcement triggered immediate market enthusiasm. Doodles NFT trading volume surged 318% on Thursday, and the floor price also saw notable gains. Since its inception in late 2021, the Doodles collection has accumulated $648.49 million in secondary sales, making it one of the top PFP (profile picture) NFT projects by volume. Lil Wayne reposted the Doodles announcement on his X account with the caption “Captain Stoke • ᴗ •,” further amplifying the buzz.
Strategic Significance
This move underscores a broader trend among NFT projects to evolve beyond static collectibles into IP-driven multimedia franchises. Pharrell Williams, who previously joined Doodles as Chief Brand Officer, brings extensive music and fashion industry connections. The animated film serves as a powerful tool to introduce Doodles characters to a mainstream audience, potentially revitalizing the NFT market which has faced a prolonged downturn. If successful, the Doodles film could set a precedent for how blockchain-native IPs transition into Hollywood-style productions.
With “Project Gray” launching in the coming months, all eyes will be on Doodles' ability to deliver a cinematic experience that resonates both with crypto natives and general viewers.