David Farnor | On 11, Dec 2019

Netflix is bringing Paul McCartney’s High in the Clouds to the screen.

The streaming giant and Gaumont are producing a new animated feature based on the iconic songwriter and author’s adventure novel, co-written with Geoff Dunbar and Philip Ardagh.

The story follows an imaginative teenage squirrel named Wirral, who finds himself pulled into a ramshackle gang of teenage rebels who live high in the clouds after he accidentally antagonizes Gretsch the owl, the tyrannical leader (and fabulous singer), who steals the voice of anyone who upstages her.

Directing will be Timothy Reckart (Head Over Heels, The Star), from a screenplay by Paddington and Paddington 2’s Jon Croker. McCartney will provide original songs and music, as well as produce the project. Producers include Bob Shaye (The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, The Golden Compass), the late Michael Lynne,  and Sidonie Dumas, Christophe Riandee, Nicolas Atlan and Terry Kalagian (Gaumont)

“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.  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,” says McCartney.

“The development of has been a fantastic journey working together with Tim and Jon and of course my amazing Gaumont Animation and Family team, Terry Kalagian and Alex Soto. We feel fortunate as this has been an extremely collaborative creative process with the incomparable Paul McCartney and his team, including Lee Eastman, who has offered invaluable guidance throughout the development stage. We at Gaumont are elated to be announcing this project and are excited to be working with Melissa Cobb, Gregg Taylor and the talented team at Netflix to be able to share this truly special musical animated feature film with audiences around the world,” says Nicolas Atlan, President Gaumont Animation and Family.

“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,” says Gregg Taylor, Netflix Director of Original Animated Films.

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