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 Award®-winning lyricist Tim Rice will collaborate with John on the songs for the film. Four-time Academy Award®-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 Award®- 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."
