Netflix to Adapt Paul McCartney’s Children’s Adventure Book High in the Clouds

Paul McCartney’s book High in the Clouds is being adapted into an animated feature by Netflix.

“We’re beyond grateful to be partnering with Nicolas [Atlan] and the Gaumont team on High in the Clouds and with Tim [Reckart] at the helm, this whimsical story celebrating individuality and the unifying power of music is in great hands,” said Gregg Taylor, Netflix Director of Original Animated Films.

The book was published in 2005 and follows the story of an imaginative teen squirrel called Wirral who finds himself pulled into a gang of teenage rebels who live high in the clouds, after he accidentally antagonizes the gang’s leader, Gretsch the owl—who has a terrible habit of stealing the voice of anyone who upstages her. It was co-authored by McCartney, Geoff Dunbar and Philip Ardagh. French production company, Gaumont, optioned the book in 2012.

“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,” said the Beatles singer, who has created and produced original songs for the film. Jon Croker from Paddington is writing the screenplay for High in the Clouds and will be directed by Reckart who was nominated for an Oscar for his 2013 animated film Head Over Heels. The feature is produced by Atlant, Bob Shaye, the late Michael Lynne, Sidonie Dumas, Christophe Riandee and Terry Kalagian.