In 2005, musician and songwriter Sir Paul McCartney, along with Philip Ardagh, created a children's adventure novel illustrated by Geoff Dunbar. The book has been praised for its vibrant illustrations and positive message. Now, it is being adapted into an animated movie with an all-star cast, including Daryl Dixon, an actress from The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon.
According to Deadline, indie animated filmmaker Toby Genkel (The Amazing Maurice) will direct the film from the script penned by Jon Crocker (Paddington 2), with production design by Patrick Hanenberger (Rise of the Guardians, Lego Movie 2). Gaumont Animation is producing and will partner with 88 Pictures (The Bad Guys: A Very Bad Holiday), overseeing key animation elements for the film, which is expected to be released in 2027.
The film High in the Clouds is described as a loose adaptation of the book. It follows a teenage squirrel, Wirral, who mistakenly begins a revolution against a bossy diva owl, Gretsch, who banned music in his town. The story follows Wirral on his remarkable journey to set the music free.
McCartney is joined by award-winning music composer Michael Giacchino (Ratatouille, Up, Inside Out, Coco) for the film's score. McCartney, who produces, wrote, and composed the film had this to say, “I am very excited to fly High In The Clouds with Gaumont and to team up with our stupendous creative team.”
High in the Clouds voice cast
The cast for High in the Clouds features a stellar lineup of talent.
- Himesh Patel (Yesterday) as the main character, Wirral
- Céline Dion (Academy Award® Winner for Best Song) as Sugartail
- Hannah Waddingham (Ted Lasso) as Gretsch
- Paul McCartney as McKenzie
- Idris Elba (Luther) as Barrel
- Lionel Richie as Gladstone
- Ringo Starr as Roy
- Jimmy Fallon (The Tonight Show) as Froggo
- Clémence Poésy (Harry Potter, The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon) as Doris
- Pom Klementieff (Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning) as Mina
- Alain Chabat ( Night at the Museum) as Bigsby
Clémence Poésy
French actress Clémence Poésy is known for her portrayal of Isabelle in seasons 1 and 2 of The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon spinoff series. She proved instrumental in Daryl's (Norman Reedus) forced journey to France.
Poésy's first English speaking role was that of Mary, Queen of Scots in the BBC mini-series Gunpowder, Treason, & Plot (2004). For her performance, she was awarded the 2005 Golden FIPA for actress in a TV Series and Serial.
She is also known for her role as Fleur Delacour in three of the Harry Potter movies, Goblet of Fire and both of the Deathly Hallows films. She has also had roles in The Essex Serpent, The Last Rifleman, Tenet, and more.
Next, she will star in BBC's historical TV drama King and Conqueror and the Apple TV+ sci-fi series Neuromancer.
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