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Emily Blunt and James McAvoy to Attempt CGI Shakespeare

British actors James McAvoy and Emily Blunt are in negotiations to lend their voices to the title roles in Gnomeo and Juliet, a CGI-animated adaptation of one of William Shakespeare's most famous plays. Miramax amd Rocket Pictures, the film company run by crooner Elton John, will produce and Kelly Asbury will direct.

The film is a modern, edgy retelling of the time-honored play about two star-crossed lovers. Blunt takes over voice duties from Kate Winslet, who was forced to bow out due to scheduling conflicts. The soundtrack to the film will feature some of John's hits and possibly some new songs as well. John is going after A-list names to lend the supporting roles their voices. Gnomeo and Juliet was initially set up at Walt Disney Feature Animation, but was eventually dropped. The film is currently in the storyboard stage and is expected to be finished by 2010.

—The ARTISTdirect Staff
08.21.08