E1 has taken UK and Canadian rights to Kelly Asbury’s 3D animation Gnomeo And Juliet from Pathe International.

The romance-fantasy is slated for a February 2011 release in the UK and Canada, with Disney handling the North American release through Touchstone on Feb 11, 2011.

Gnomeo And Juliet, produced by Rocket Pictures’ David Furnish and Steve Hamilton Shaw and Disney’s Baker Bloodworth, will feature new songs from Elton John, and classic hits from John and his longtime writing partner Bernie Taupin, including Crocodile Rock, Saturday Night and Your Song.

James McAvoy (Gnomeo), Emily Blunt (Juliet), Matt Lucas (Benny), Maggie Smith (Lady Blueberry), Michael Caine (Lord Redbrick), Stephen Merchant (Paris), Ashley Jensen (Nanette), Jason Statham (Tybalt) and Ozzy Osborne lend their voices to the comic make-over of Shakespeare’s tragedy set in the world of warring indoor and outdoor gnomes.

Mike Runagall of Pathe International said: “We are thrilled to be working with E1, who have proved themselves to be particularly adept in the family market and will be a great partner to bring this sure-fire crowd pleaser to UK and Canadian audiences.”

Patrice Theroux, President, Filmed Entertainment at E1 commented: “With exceptional animation, a phenomenal cast and amazing music, we firmly believe that audiences in the UK and Canada will fall in love with this picture. This deal is further evidence that we have established multi-territory network that ensure broad distribution for independent producers and we look forward to working with Pathe and other partners involved in this film to ensure its success.”

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