Elton's "Gnomeo" Finds a Home at Miramax

ComingSoon.net shares a press release from the Weinstein-free Miramax Films, and the announcement is this: Remember that Gnomeo and Juliet animated flick that Elton John was putting together at Disney? Well, the project's still on, apparently, only it's been shipped over to Miramax territory.

"Miramax Films has announced an exclusive deal with Sir Elton John's Rocket Pictures to develop and produce Gnomeo and Juliet, an animated twist on Shakespeare's classic tale set in the world of tacky garden gnomes. Rocket Pictures producing partners, David Furnish and Steve Hamilton Shaw, who are currently finishing post-production on their latest film It's A Boy Girl Thing, will shepherd the project with Miramax president, Daniel Battsek.

"I have had a longstanding relationship with Rocket Productions and have been following this project since I was at BVI," said Daniel Battsek. "I was thrilled when the opportunity arose to bring 'Gnomeo' to Miramax."

"I am very excited about working with Miramax," stated Elton John. "'Gnomeo' is an edgy concept and Miramax is the perfect home to push the envelope in animation.

"Academy AwardŽ-winning lyricist Tim Rice will collaborate with John on the songs for the film. Four-time Academy AwardŽ-nominee Kate Winslet is attached to star. Additional casting to be announced at a later date.

Gnomeo and Juliet will be animated in the UK with Academy AwardŽ- nominee Baker Bloodworth (Destino, Lorenzo) serving as producer and guiding the production in London.

Originally scripted by Rob Sprackling and John Smith, Gnomeo and Juliet was brought to Disney several years ago by Rocket Pictures. Scribes Kevin Cecil and Andy Riley penned the current script."

Comments

alsanali

Alsan Ali

With a title like "Gnomeo and Juliet" what could go wrong?

Apr 14 - 05:22 AM

Prosper761

Brian Bara

One would think that Sir Elton would be producing "Homeo & Juliet." (And I am gay, so don't go accusing me of homophobia, people. It's just a joke).

Apr 14 - 06:53 AM

Ashron

Paul Barrett

I think I rented that one from the "bookstore" the other day ;-)

Apr 14 - 07:32 AM

Prosper761

Brian Bara

Actually, you're thinking of "Romeo & Julian," the first gay porn musical... and it's amazing how well some people can sing with their mouths full... ;-)

Apr 15 - 07:45 PM

Twirlnhurl

Ben L

Stated Elton John, "'Gnomeo' is an edgy concept". Wow. A shakespere play with lawn gnomes is edgy?

Apr 14 - 07:02 AM

ommega

Omar Gonzalez

At least they're doing something different with animation, other than sticking with talking animals all the time (except for Pixar of course).

Apr 14 - 10:16 AM

VML

Victoria Leduc

"'Gnomeo' is an edgy concept and Miramax is the perfect home to push the envelope in animation."

"Push the envelope"? What kind of revolutionary thing are they talking about?

Will this movie be 2-D animated now that I hear that the film is animated by someone who has made two 2-D short films for Disney?

Apr 14 - 06:11 PM

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