Imperium AI CEO Shazir Mucklai Revives “Popstar” Concept Six Years Later, Announces Follow-Up Idea

PALO ALTO, Calif, August 26th, 2026, FinanceWire

New proposal explores a potential follow-up to the 2020 music video and examines how a surprise collaboration could become a cross-platform cultural event

Imperium AI Founder and CEO Shazir Mucklai has announced the release of a new creative proposal revisiting the concept behind Drake and DJ Khaled's “Popstar” music video, exploring the possibility of a future entertainment project featuring unexpected collaborations and a new generation of digital media distribution.The proposal revisits the attention surrounding the original 2020 video, in which Justin Bieber appeared and lip-synced Drake's lyrics, including a reference to his former relationship with Selena Gomez. Mucklai was invited to appear on set at the time but was unable to participate while completing law school.

Mucklai's newly presented concept explores what a sequel, remix or loosely connected follow-up to the “Popstar” concept could look like more than six years after the original release.

The proposal remains a creative concept and is not an announcement of a confirmed production, casting agreement or collaboration involving any of the artists mentioned.

Revisiting the “Popstar” Conversation

When “Popstar” arrived in September 2020, Bieber starred in the video and lip-synced Drake's lyrics, including the now-famous reference to Gomez. Scooter Braun, Hailey Bieber and others also appeared in the production.

At the time, speculation circulated online about whether Gomez could somehow become involved with the project. People reported on September 5, 2020, that a source close to Gomez rejected the idea, stating that she had never been approached and had no plans to participate. The publication also reported that the speculation gained attention after an intern at Mucklai's Imperium AI issued a press release suggesting Gomez should appear in the video as a way of easing perceived tension between the former couple.

ELLE and People subsequently covered the controversy, including Mucklai's proposal and the denial from Gomez's side.

Mucklai's new proposal revisits that history while considering how a new “Popstar”-related project could be developed for today's entertainment and social-media environment.

Exploring a Potential Follow-Up

According to Mucklai, conversations surrounding a possible return to the “Popstar” concept have included speculation about Bieber potentially appearing again and Gomez being considered as a possible surprise participant.

These possibilities remain unconfirmed.

For Mucklai, the appeal is the potential for a sequel, remix or loosely connected follow-up to become a cross-platform cultural event, with reactions potentially spreading across TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, news sites and emerging social networks.

For longtime fans who remember the “Jelena” era, an on-screen reunion could generate significant attention because of the nostalgia associated with the former couple's relationship and its place in pop culture.

Mucklai's proposal does not suggest that a romantic reconciliation is being discussed. Instead, he views the potential appeal as the surprise of two major entertainment figures appearing in the same professional project.

Potential Casting Remains Speculative

Mucklai has also discussed other possible casting directions, including Sydney Sweeney as a potential wildcard cameo.

These suggestions are part of the creative proposal and do not represent confirmed casting.

Any future installment would also face substantial public attention, with cameos, lyrics and visual references likely to receive immediate scrutiny across social media and entertainment outlets.

Mucklai believes that any real reunion or collaboration would need to be approached carefully and with clear consent from all parties.

From a 2020 Music Video to Today's Digital Media Environment

The renewed proposal also reflects how significantly the media landscape has changed since the original “Popstar” release.

In 2020, celebrity discussions were largely driven by traditional entertainment outlets, fan accounts and social media speculation. Today, platforms such as Imperium AI are attempting to provide creators, entrepreneurs and everyday users with more direct ways to publish stories and participate in the broader digital news cycle.

Mucklai's proposal uses that changing media environment as part of its broader context, examining how an unexpected entertainment collaboration could move rapidly across multiple platforms.

About Imperium AI

Imperium AI is a social and media platform founded by Shazir Mucklai that enables users to create and publish content and participate in the broader digital media ecosystem.

The platform is focused on giving creators, entrepreneurs and users tools to publish stories and build visibility around their ideas.

Disclaimer

This announcement concerns a creative proposal and concept presented by Shazir Mucklai. It does not announce a confirmed sequel, remake, music video, film, recording, casting agreement, production, studio partnership or collaboration involving Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez, Drake, DJ Khaled, Sydney Sweeney or any other named individual.

References to potential participation or casting are speculative and represent Mucklai's stated creative ideas only. No endorsement, authorization, participation, agreement, negotiation or affiliation by the individuals, their representatives, record labels, studios, filmmakers or rights holders should be inferred.

References to the 2020 “Popstar” controversy are included for historical context and are based on the cited third-party coverage. Any future project using existing intellectual property would be subject to applicable rights, permissions and approvals.

Source: Imperium AI

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