November 23, 2015 - 19:02 AMT
"Shaun of the Dead" helmer to direct shadow-themed animated film

Edgar Wright has signed on to direct an animated film for DreamWorks Animation. The film, which he'll co-write with David Walliams, is centered on the concept of shadows, The Hollywood Reporter said.

"Edgar will spearhead a new approach to this fascinating concept and we’re ecstatic to have him on board as director along with David as co-writer,” said a statement from DreamWorks Animation’s co-presidents of feature animation Bonnie Arnold and Mireille Soria. “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.”

The project is a new take on a previously developed concept about shadows. DreamWorks Animation had previously been working on a film called Me and My Shadow, that had Bill Hader and Josh Gad attached as voice cast. But it was taken off the calendar in 2013. Wright's new film will replace Me and My Shadow.

DreamWorks Animation’s head of development Gregg Taylor and development executive Damon Ross are overseeing the project for the studio.

Wright, known for The World’s End and Shaun of the Dead, will next helm Baby Driver with Ansel Elgort and Lily James. He's also attached to a project with Johnny Depp based on Fortunately, the Milk, a Neil Gaiman story. The DreamWorks Animation project will be his first animated film.

Walliams is known for working with Matt Lucas on the BBC One sketch show Little Britain, and also is a children’s author, with more 10 million copies sold to date.

Photo: AFP