Wherefore Art Thou, Gnomeo? At Miramax Films

Wherefore Art Thou, Gnomeo? At Miramax Films

An Animated Film From the Musical Team Behind 'The Lion King'

NEW YORK, April 13 /PRNewswire/ -- 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(R)-winning lyricist Tim Rice will collaborate with John on the songs for the film. Four-time Academy Award(R)-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(R)- 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.

Source: Miramax Films

CONTACT: Emily Bear of Miramax Films, +1-212-219-4100

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