McAvoy, Blunt in 'Gnomeo' talks

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 20 (UPI) -- Actors James McAvoy and Emily Blunt are in negotiations to head the voice cast of Elton John's "Gnomeo and Juliet" U.S. animated film, sources say.

The animated Shakespeare adaptation from Miramax and Elton John's Rocket Pictures will also likely feature many of the British rocker's well-known songs and possibly some new tracks, the Hollywood Reporter said Wednesday.

Citing unnamed sources, the Reporter said McAvoy ("Atonement") and Blunt ("The Devil Wears Prada") would play garden gnomes who are in love but are from different gardens, setting up the familiar Shakespearian conflict. The sources said Elton John is pursuing big-name talent to voice supporting roles, as well.

Kate Winslet, once attached to the project, reportedly is out, as is music writer Tim Rice, who was earlier approached to write the songs for the movie by his one-time "Lion King" partner John.

The Reporter says Kelly Asbury is set to direct the film from an original script by Rob Sprackling and John R. Smith. It's reportedly now in the storyboard stage, with production is expected to be completed by 2010.