Netflix and Gaumont are teaming up with Paul McCartney to create an animated feature film called “High in the Clouds.”
McCartney co-wrote a children’s novel with Geoff Dunbar and Philip Ardagh, and now it’s being transformed into a full-length film that McCartney will also produce and create songs for. The film will follow the story of cartoon squirrel named “Wirral” who ends up joining a gang of teenage rebels who live high in the clouds. He accidentally antagonizes Gretsch, the owl, the tyrannical leader who steals the voice of anyone who upstages her, Variety reports.
Timothy Reckart is directing from a script by Jon Croker, who has credits on the ”Paddington” movies and “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald.” The producers will also include Bob Shaye (“The Lord of the Rings” trilogy), the late Michael Lynne, Sidonie Dumas, Christophe Riandee, Nicolas Atlan, and Terry Kalagian (Gaumont).
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Netflix,” McCartney said. “They complement what is already an amazing team with Gaumont, and we can think of no one better to be working with to bring our film to a global audience. I’ve always loved animated films, and this is a hugely important passion project for me. I can’t wait for the world to see it.”
Gregg Taylor, Netflix Director of Original Animated Films, said, “Bringing the world a new animated film from the heart and mind of the brilliant Paul McCartney is undoubtedly one of the greatest thrills we’ve experienced at Netflix. We’re beyond grateful to be partnering with Nicolas and the Gaumont team on ‘High in the Clouds’ and with Tim at the helm, this whimsical story celebrating individuality and the unifying power of music is in great hands.”
The novel was published in 2005, and plans for the film began with Shaye Lynne in 2013.
