Sir Elton John will produce an animated take on a Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.

John's Rocket Pictures will work in collaboration with Miramax Films to produce Gnomeo and Juliet, a tale of two star-crossed tacky garden gnomes. Kate Winslet is attached to star.

Miramax president Daniel Battsek said of the project: "I have had a longstanding relationship with Rocket Productions and have been following this project since I was at BVI. I was thrilled when the opportunity arose to bring Gnomeo to Miramax."

Sir Elton will again collaborate with lyricist Tim Rice to concoct a soundtrack for the movie. Kevin Cecil and Andy Riley wrote the current version of the script, previously drafted by Rob Sprackling and John Smith.