You’ve probably heard the rumors by now. Katt Williams, the man who basically broke the internet with a single interview on Shannon Sharpe’s podcast, has gone and bought himself a military base. Not just any base, though. He’s planted his flag at Fort McClellan in Anniston, Alabama.
It sounds like a joke or a plot for a new movie. But honestly? It’s 100% real.
If you're wondering why a comedian needs a 90-acre decommissioned Army post, you aren't alone. People have been speculating about his mental state, his bank account, and his "beef" with Hollywood for decades. But this move to Alabama isn't a meltdown. It’s a blueprint. Katt is following in the footsteps of Tyler Perry, but with his own unique, slightly chaotic twist.
The $1.5 Million Steal in Anniston
Let’s talk numbers because they're kind of wild. Katt didn’t just buy a building; he bought a chunk of history. The property, known specifically as the "Starships" barracks area of Fort McClellan, was listed for as much as $5 million at one point. Katt reportedly snagged it for around **$1.5 million**.
For that price, he got:
- 90 acres of flat land.
- 30 concrete buildings from the Cold War era.
- 10 barracks with 20 rooms each.
- Two massive gymnasiums.
- A 78,000-square-foot academic building.
Basically, he bought a small city. When you look at the "Starships"—these three-story, star-shaped concrete barracks—they look like they were built to survive an apocalypse. For a filmmaker, that’s not just real estate; it’s a ready-made set.
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Why Alabama? Why Now?
Katt hasn't been shy about his reasons. During an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in March 2025, he kept it simple. He basically said he follows instruction well. He saw Tyler Perry buy Fort McPherson in Atlanta and turn it into a multi-billion dollar empire.
"It's just not fair to put all that pressure on Tyler Perry," Katt told GQ. "He can only do so much."
He’s not just talking about making movies. He’s talking about Kemet Studios. That’s the name of his production company, and Fort McClellan is its new home. By moving to Alabama, Katt is stepping outside the Hollywood system entirely. He doesn't have to ask for permission to build a set or rent a soundstage. He owns the ground they stand on.
The Mystery of the Marine Corps Claims
Now, we have to address the elephant in the room: Katt’s history with the military. This is where things get a bit messy. For years, Katt has claimed he joined the U.S. Marine Corps at 16, passed boot camp, and was only kicked out when they realized he was a minor.
He’s told this story to everyone from Marc Maron to Joe Rogan. He even famously shouted "Semper Fi" during a stand-up set.
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But here’s the thing—CBS News did a deep dive into this back in late 2024. They filed FOIA requests and checked the National Personnel Records Center. The Marine Corps’ response? No record found. Does that mean he’s lying? Or did the paperwork get lost in the 80s? Katt sticks to his guns, saying he tells the truth. Regardless of whether he was ever a "devil dog," his purchase of Fort McClellan feels like a full-circle moment. He’s finally the commander-in-chief of his own base.
Kemet Studios and the "Redemption Arc"
This isn't just about ego. Katt has been through it. In 2010, he lost a $2.5 million mansion in Calabasas to foreclosure. He’s been arrested more times than most people have been to the DMV. For a long time, the industry treated him like a liability.
Buying Fort McClellan is his way of saying he doesn't need them.
He’s already started integrating with the local community. In late 2025, he was awarded an honorary doctorate from Miles College, an HBCU in Alabama. He’s partnering with them to give students hands-on experience in film production, AI, and augmented reality at his new studio.
He isn't just building a playground for himself. He’s building a pipeline.
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What Most People Get Wrong
A lot of people think Fort McClellan is still a "base." It’s not. It was officially closed in 1999. Since then, it’s been a mix of a National Guard training site, a police academy, and a lot of empty, spooky buildings.
There are also some serious concerns about the land itself. Fort McClellan has a history of chemical weapons testing and environmental issues. Some locals have pointed out high cancer rates in the area. It’s a "buyer beware" situation for sure. But Katt seems unfazed. He’s spent the last year visiting the site frequently, planning how to turn those concrete barracks into "state-of-the-art" soundstages.
Actionable Insights for the Future
If you’re watching this from the sidelines, there are a few things to keep an eye on.
First, watch the Alabama film incentives. The state offers a 25-35% tax credit on production costs. If Katt can prove that big-budget movies can be made in Anniston, you might see a "Yellowhammer State" version of the Atlanta film boom.
Second, keep an eye on Kemet Studios' first official release. Katt has a strong relationship with Netflix, and many expect his first major projects from the Alabama base to land there.
What you can do next:
- Follow the Local News: The Anniston Star and Alabama News Center are the best sources for actual construction updates on the base.
- Watch for Casting Calls: If you're in the Southeast, Kemet Studios is likely to start hiring local crew and extras sooner rather than later.
- Check the Credits: Next time you watch a Katt Williams special or a movie he’s produced, look at the filming locations. If it says "Anniston, AL," you know the plan is working.
Katt Williams isn't just a comedian anymore. He’s a developer. He’s a mogul. And in the red clay of Alabama, he’s building a fortress that Hollywood can’t touch.
Next Steps:
To stay informed on this project, you should monitor the McClellan Development Authority (or the City of Anniston, which is currently taking over management) for public filings regarding Kemet Studios' permits. You can also track the Alabama Film Office website for new productions registered under Katt Williams' production entities.