Netflix and Gaumont are to produce a new animated feature based on a novel by Paul McCartney, Geoff Dunbar and Philip Ardagh.
High in the Clouds will be directed by the Oscar-nominated Timothy Reckart (Head Over Heels, The Star), with the screenplay adapted by Jon Croker (Paddington, Paddington 2, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald).
McCartney will pen original songs for production, which is about an imaginative teenage squirrel named Wirral. He finds himself pulled into a ramshackle gang of teenage rebels who live high in the clouds after he accidentally antagonises Gretsch the owl, the tyrannical leader – and “fabulous singer” – who steals the voice of anyone who upstages her.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Netflix. 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,” said McCartney.
“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, added:
“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.”
