Sir Paul McCartney has praised Céline Dion’s return to the spotlight and says her work on his upcoming animated musical High in the Clouds has left him “blown away”.
The 84-year-old Beatles legend is a producer on the film, adapted from the 2005 book he co-wrote, and shared new photos of the pair recording their parts. In a post on Instagram, he celebrated the reaction to Céline’s recent Paris comeback and said her contribution to the project has been a standout moment.
He wrote: “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.”
High in the Clouds also stars the likes of his Beatles bandmate Sir Ringo Starr, Sir Idris Elba, Himesh Patel, Hannah Waddington, and Lionel Richie.
High in the Clouds will feature original songs written and composed by Paul.
The film adaptation is being produced by Gaumont Animation, while 88 Pictures is overseeing the animation elements of the movie.
The original adventure novel centres on a teenage squirrel called Wirral, who embarks on a journey to set music free.
Paul wrote the book with the help of Philip Ardagh, the children’s author who has written more than 100 books during his career.
High in the Clouds was Paul’s first children’s book, but he’s subsequently written more, including Hey Grandude! and Grandude’s Green Submarine.
The Beatles icon previously explained how his grandchildren inspired Hey Grandude!.
Speaking to the BBC, he shared: “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’.”
The Yellow Submarine hitmaker also stressed that he’s not the specific inspiration behind the Grandude character.
The chart-topping star shared: “Grandude isn’t supposed to be me. Because he’s magic and I’m not.”
Paul always enjoyed reading stories to his own children. And the award-winning musician believes there’s still a place for traditional storytelling.
He said: “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.”
