Celine Dion is collaborating with Paul McCartney on the upcoming film starring Idris Elba. Dion will perform original songs written by McCartney for High in the Clouds, an animated adaptation of the children’s book.
According to a Deadline report, Universal Music Group will release the film’s soundtrack globally. The upcoming 3D animated film features original music and follows a young squirrel’s quest to free music from a town where it has been banned.
Oscar-winning composer Michael Giacchino, known for Ratatouille, Inside Out and Coco, will compose the film’s original score. The film is directed by Toby Genkel, with a screenplay by Jon Croker.
High in the Clouds brings together major names from music, film and television
Alongside Dion, McCartney, and Elba, the voice cast also includes Himesh Patel, Hannah Waddingham, Lionel Richie, Ringo Starr and Jimmy Fallon. Dion voices Sugartail, the mother of the central character, while Patel voices Wirral and Waddingham plays Gretsch. McCartney, Patel and Waddingham will also contribute original musical performances.
The story follows Wirral, a teenage squirrel who accidentally sparks a rebellion against Gretsch, a diva owl who has banned music in his hometown. Wirral embarks on a journey to restore music to his town.
The announcement comes shortly after Dion returned to live performances with a concert residency in Paris. Her 16 shows attracted around 550,000 spectators. McCartney praised her comeback in a September social media post and shared his excitement about her work on the film.
He wrote, “It’s been so great to see the amazing reaction to Céline’s comeback in Paris. There’s so much love out there for her. I’m so excited that she’s part of our High in the Clouds film. I’ve just been listening to some of her parts, and I’m blown away by it. Wow, what a talent. We are very lucky to have her as part of the team. Can’t wait to share it with the world.”
McCartney’s 2005 children’s book High in the Clouds was written with Philip Ardagh and illustrated by Geoff Dunbar. Gaumont Animation is producing the film in partnership with 88 Pictures, which is handling key animation elements. The film is expected in 2027, with Gaumont planning a work-in-progress screening at the upcoming American Film Market.
Originally reported on ComingSoon.net.
