Johnny Depp to voice Sherlock Gnomes in new animation

Johnny Depp is to voice animated character Sherlock Gnomes in the ‘Gnomeo And Juliet’ sequel.

The 2011 Disney movie – based on Shakespeare’s play ‘Romeo and Juliet’ – was a slow-burning box office hit and featured music from Sir Elton John and a host of big name stars lending their voices to characters, including Emily Blunt, James McAvoy, Patrick Stewart, Jason Statham and Ozzy Osbourne.

A follow-up film has been speculated on ever since and now it can be confirmed the movie will be based around Arthur Conan Doyle’s literary creation with Depp bringing to life the lead role.

McAvoy and Blunt will return as Gnomeo and Juliet who seek out the sleuth Sherlock to solve the mystery of a string of garden gnome disappearances.

The sequel – this time distributed by Paramount and MGM – will be directed by ‘Kung Fu Panda’ helmer John Stevenson and Sir Elton John and his husband David Furnish are on board as producers.

‘Sherlock Gnomes’ is scheduled for a January 2018 release.

It is not the first time Depp, 52, has worked on an animated movie. He previously had a main role in Tim Burton’s 2005 film ‘Corpse Bride’ and he gave a wild west chameleon his voice in 2011’s ‘Rango’.