Edgar Wright is set to direct and co-write an original animated feature for DreamWorks Animation that centers on the concept of shadows, the studio announced Thursday.
Wright will co-write the film with comedian and author David Walliams, who’s best known for his partnership with Matt Lucas on the BBC One sketch show “Little Britain.” He’s also a best-selling children’s author whose books have sold more than 10 million copies to date.
The project, which DWA describes as a new approach to a previously developed concept, will mark Wright’s debut as an animation director following the live-action movies “Shaun of the Dead,” “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” and “Hot Fuzz.” He previously co-wrote the “The Adventures of Tintin” with Joe Cornish and Steven Moffat.
DWA had been developing a project titled “Me & My Shadow,” and while Wright’s film will focus on shadows, it is taking an entirely new approach to that concept, according to insiders.
For DreamWorks Animation’s co-presidents of feature animation, Bonnie Arnold and Mireille Soria, Wright’s hiring is the latest example of the studio’s focus on working with a diverse group of gifted filmmakers.
“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,” said Arnold and Soria in a joint 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.”
“My first endeavors in film-making as a teenager were in animation, so it was hugely intriguing to get a call from DreamWorks Animation about potentially directing,” said Wright. “When the Shadows concept was suggested to me, I could see the poster, the title sequence and pretty much the whole movie. 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.”
DreamWorks Animation’s head of development Gregg Taylor and development executive Damon Ross will oversee the project for the studio.
Wright is currently prepping the crime movie “Baby Driver” starring Ansel Elgort, Lily James, Jamie Foxx, Jon Hamm and Kevin Spacey.