‘Gnomeo & Juliet’ Sequel In The Making With New Elton John Songs

(Written for BritScene)

Elton John’s Rocket Pictures has begun plotting a sequel to 2011 Disney hit film, Gnomeo & Juliet, it has been announced this week, as they set up the 3D animated Gnomeo & Juliet: Sherlock Gnomes.

Reuniting the gnome cast from the film’s predecessor that grossed $194 million worldwide last year, the sequel begins when a number of gnomes start disappearing from the suburban gardens of England.

Gnomeo, Juliet and friends must now enlist the help of Sherlock Gnomes, “the greatest ornamental detective,” to track the culprit, but unfortunately Sherlock is neither as brilliant nor as insightful as his human counterpart. As the crimes against gnomanity continue, the threat to their world becomes bigger than they ever imagined.

“Action detective stories need some gnomes to liven them up, I’m sure Arthur Conan Doyle would agree,” said Rocket Picture’s Steve Hamilton Shaw. “It will be a fun, broad family film building on the popular foundation of the first. We believe the wide appeal of our world and characters combined with strong musical elements create a terrific franchise opportunity.”

The writing team behind the first film, Andy Riley and Kevin Cecil, are back to write the sequel, which Elton John is currently composing some new songs for.

Elton will also serve as executive producer, whilst Rocket Pictures’ principals Steve Hamilton Shaw and David Furnish are producing the film, with Gnomeo & Juliet director Kelly Asbury will act as a creative consultant.

Gnomeo & Juliet: Sherlock Gnomes is to begin production this fall, whilst the team are currently talking to directors.