Anniston, AL – Comedian Katt Williams is charting a new course as a movie mogul with his purchase of “Starships,” a former military base in Alabama, with plans to convert it into a cutting-edge film production studio. The move, as originally reported in a BET article, reflects Williams’ ambitions to create a space that rivals those of industry leaders like Tyler Perry, Donald Glover, and 50 Cent.
Williams’ publicist, Amy Sisoyev, confirmed the acquisition on Thursday but kept specifics under wraps. “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 shared via email.
“Starships,” part of the former Fort McClellan in Anniston, Alabama, is a sprawling site with 30 Cold War-era concrete buildings spread across 90 acres of flat land. The property includes 10 barracks with 20 rooms each, two gymnasiums, and a 78,000-square-foot academic building. Listed at $1.5 million, the site offers over three million square feet of indoor space—perfect for a film studio campus.
Later in the week, Connie Alexander Jacks of The Luxe Group, the brokerage that facilitated the sale, expressed excitement about the project.
“We were thrilled to work with Katt Williams on this incredible project,” Jacks said. “His vision for ‘Starships’ is inspiring. He plans to honor the site’s history while transforming it into a hub for storytelling and creativity.”
Williams’ plans for the property align with his ambition to amplify Black voices in entertainment. In a recent GQ interview, he spoke about the importance of building more opportunities in Hollywood.
“It’s just not fair to put all that pressure on Tyler Perry,” Williams said. “He can only do so much.”
As reported by BET, Williams intends to use the property to establish a studio that will not only support film and television production but also nurture diverse creative talent.
Williams has cultivated a connection with Alabama, performing in Huntsville, Birmingham, and Mobile earlier this year during his “Dark Matter” comedy tour. His repeated visits may have influenced his decision to invest in the state.
The property’s size and features make it a prime location for development. According to the Alabama Film Office, “Starships” includes four two-story dormitories, two gymnasiums, and vast open areas suited for sound stages and production facilities.
While official redevelopment plans have yet to be announced, Williams’ history of innovation suggests exciting possibilities for “Starships.” His relationship with Netflix, home to several of his comedy specials, could serve as a distribution platform for productions originating from the studio.
“It’s a visionary endeavor, and we’re excited to see how this historic site evolves under his leadership,” Jacks added.
Williams’ acquisition of “Starships,” as first noted in BET, signals a transformative chapter for both the entertainer and the Anniston community. By investing in Alabama, Williams is not only expanding his creative empire but also positioning the state as a potential hub for the entertainment industry. Residents and fans alike eagerly await the next steps in this groundbreaking project.
