Edgar Wright is joining the ranks of live action filmmakers who made the jump to animation. The Shaun of the Dead director will helm a Dreamworks Animation project that centers on the world of shadows.
Jeffrey Katzenberg’s DWA announced the project today. Wright will co-write the original screenplay with David Williams, who is best known for his work work with David Lucas and the sketch series Little Britain. He is also a successful children’s book author, with a resume that includes The Boy In The Dress, Billionaire Boy and Awful Auntie.
“Edgar will spearhead a new approach to this fascinating concept and we're ecstatic to have him onboard as director along with David as co-writer,” DWA Co-Presidents of Feature Animation Bonnie Arnold and Mireille Soria said in a statement. “We've always been intrigued by a film concept involving shadows, and now with Edgar's signature comedic style and abilities as a natural storyteller, audiences will be treated to a truly captivating and energetic tale.”
Wright said that when the idea was pitched to him, he could instantly see the movie in his head. “It's a blast writing this and to have one of my oldest friends in comedy, David Walliams, along for the adventure is a thrill,” he said.
DreamWorks Animation's Head of Development Gregg Taylor and development executive Damon Ross will be overseeing the film, which doesn’t have a release date yet.
Wright is currently making his next live-action feature, Baby Driver, which will be Wright’s follow up to 2013’s The World’s End. He does have a background in animation and co-wrote Steven Spielberg’s first animated film, The Adventures of Tintin. His other credits include Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz and Scott Pilgrim vs. The World.