In a surprise move, Miramax Films, the arthouse division of The Walt Disney Co., has obtained an exclusive deal with Sir Elton John’s Rocket Pictures to develop and produce Gnomeo and Juliet, reports Coming Soon. Along with Miramax president, Daniel Battsek, Rocket Pictures producing partners David Furnish and Steve Hamilton Shaw will shepherd the project. “I am very excited about working with Miramax,” stated Elton John. “Gnomeo is an edgy concept and Miramax is the perfect home to push the envelope in animation.” Sir Elton John and lyricist Tim Rice, the duo behind the songs for The Lion King, Aida, and The Road to El Dorado, will pen Gnomeo’s tunes, while Kate Winslet remains attached to star in the movie. Working from a script by Kevin Cecil and Andy Riley, the Oscar-nominated Baker Bloodworth (Destino, Lorenzo) will serve as Gnomeo and Juliet’s producer and will guide the production in London.