Céline Dion will perform original songs written and composed by Paul McCartney for High in the Clouds, the upcoming 3D animated feature based on his 2005 children's book. Universal Music Group will release the soundtrack worldwide, bringing together two of music's most celebrated artists for a story about the freedom to make music.
Dion also voices Sugartail, the mother of teenage squirrel Wirral, played by Himesh Patel. Wirral accidentally starts a rebellion against Gretsch, a domineering owl voiced by Hannah Waddingham who has banned music from his town. His adventure becomes a quest to restore the sounds and songs his community has lost.
The voice cast includes McCartney, his former Beatles bandmate Ringo Starr, Lionel Richie, Idris Elba and Jimmy Fallon. Patel, Waddingham and McCartney will also contribute original musical performances. Oscar-winning composer Michael Giacchino is providing the score, developing themes created by McCartney.
McCartney has already praised Dion's recordings for the project. Reflecting on their collaboration, he said: "I've just been listening to some of her parts, and I'm blown away by it. Wow, what a talent."
The announcement follows Dion's return to major live performances in Paris. According to Deadline's report, her first run of comeback concerts attracted approximately 550,000 spectators across 16 shows. Gaumont also planned a work-in-progress screening of the film for buyers at the American Film Market.
Directed by Toby Genkel, with Christian De Vita as co-director and a screenplay by Jon Croker, High in the Clouds adapts the book McCartney created with author Philip Ardagh and illustrator Geoff Dunbar. Gaumont currently lists a French theatrical release for October 13, 2027.
