Sir Paul McCartney has praised Céline Dion for bringing her “talent” to his upcoming animated musical High In The Clouds, saying he was “blown away” after hearing her contribution to the film. McCartney, 84, is producing the adaptation of his 2005 children’s book and recently shared photos of himself with Dion recording material for the project.
The comments come after Dion’s return to the spotlight with her recent Paris appearance, which McCartney said had received an outpouring of support from fans.
Paul McCartney praises Céline Dion’s contribution
McCartney celebrated Dion’s involvement in High In The Clouds in an Instagram post, saying he had recently listened to some of her recorded parts.
“It’s been so great to see the amazing reaction to Céline’s comeback in Paris. There’s so much love out there for her.
“I’m so excited that she’s part of our High In The Clouds film. I’ve just been listening to some of her parts and I’m blown away by it. Wow, what a talent. We are very lucky to have her as part of the team. Can’t wait to share it with the world.”
Dion joins an ensemble cast that also includes McCartney’s former Beatles bandmate Sir Ringo Starr, Idris Elba, Himesh Patel, Hannah Waddingham and Lionel Richie.
McCartney has written and composed original songs for the animated musical, adding new music to a story he first created more than two decades ago.
What is High In The Clouds about?
High In The Clouds is based on the children’s adventure novel McCartney co-wrote with author Philip Ardagh in 2005.
The story follows Wirral, a teenage squirrel who sets out on an adventure to help set music free.
The film adaptation is being produced by Gaumont Animation, with 88 Pictures overseeing the animation.
The project also marks another chapter in McCartney’s long-running work as a children’s author. Following High In The Clouds, he went on to write Hey Grandude! and Grandude’s Green Submarine.
How Paul’s grandchildren inspired Grandude
McCartney previously explained that the idea for Hey Grandude! came from a nickname given to him by one of his grandchildren.
Speaking to the BBC, he recalled:
“One of my grandkids – who used to call me ‘Grandad’ – just happened one day to say ‘Grandude’ and it kind of stuck. So the other kids started calling me ‘Grandude’.”
Despite the personal connection, McCartney has stressed that the Grandude character is not intended to be a direct representation of him.
“Grandude isn’t supposed to be me. Because he’s magic and I’m not.”
McCartney has also spoken about his enjoyment of reading stories to his children and grandchildren, and the importance he places on traditional storytelling.
“I like that – at the end of the day – sealing the day by reading to the kids. It’s something I’ve always liked doing. And it’s very satisfying when you see them nod off.”
With Dion now contributing to the film alongside an impressive voice cast and new music from McCartney, High In The Clouds brings together several different parts of the Beatles legend’s creative career.
View this post on Instagram
