Animated Sequel Starring Depp, Blunt, and McAvoy to Stream Starting Jan. 1
The 2018 animated film Sherlock Gnomes, featuring Johnny Depp, Emily Blunt, and James McAvoy, will be available for streaming on Paramount+ beginning January 1. This sequel to the 2011 hit Gnomeo & Juliet, which grossed nearly $200 million globally, follows the story of London’s missing garden gnomes, with Sherlock Gnomes (voiced by Depp) and his partner, Watson (Chiwetel Ejiofor), called in to investigate. The film features a star-studded cast, including Blunt as Juliet, McAvoy as Gnomeo, and Oscar-winner Michael Caine as Lord Redbrick, Juliet’s father.
Sherlock Gnomes also had high-profile backing, with EGOT-winning singer Elton John serving as executive producer, alongside his husband, David Furnish. The film’s score was composed by Chris Bacon, known for his work on Wednesday and Bates Motel.
Despite its impressive talent roster, Sherlock Gnomes underperformed both critically and commercially. The film currently holds a disappointing 28% score on Rotten Tomatoes’ Tomatometer, with a 36% Audience Score. At the box office, it earned $90.4 million worldwide, falling short of its $59 million production budget.
By comparison, Gnomeo & Juliet fared better with critics, earning a 55% score on the Tomatometer and a 54% Audience Score.
While Sherlock Gnomes struggled, Depp’s career has seen a resurgence following his legal victory in his defamation lawsuit against ex-wife Amber Heard. Although Disney parted ways with Depp after Heard’s accusations of abuse, reports suggest that the studio is interested in bringing Depp back for another Pirates of the Caribbean film. A source told Variety that while Disney has not yet reached out to Depp, the possibility of reconciliation remains open, especially as producer Jerry Bruckheimer works on two scripts, one of which could include Depp’s return.
Tim Burton, who has frequently collaborated with Depp on films such as Edward Scissorhands and Sweeney Todd, also hinted at future projects with the actor, saying, “Well, I’m sure there will be,” when asked about the possibility of working together again.
Meanwhile, Blunt recently reflected on her experience working with her husband, John Krasinski, on the 2018 horror film A Quiet Place. Speaking at the Red Sea International Film Festival, Blunt admitted she was initially nervous to work with him but was taken aback by the unexpected success of the film. “The reaction was crazy. I remember it was like a rock concert,” she recalled, adding that the overwhelming response led to the creation of a full A Quiet Place franchise.
With Sherlock Gnomes now streaming on Paramount+, the animated sequel will have a second chance to find an audience.
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