Paul McCartney has turned his attention to writing his first-ever musical.
He has signed on to write the music and lyrics for the stage adaptation of Frank Capra’s 1946 film It’s a Wonderful Life. Lee Hall, author of Billy Elliotand screenwriter for the Elton John film, Rocketman, is writing the show's book as well as lyrics.
McCartney, who was approached three years ago with this project, says, "Like many of these things, this all started with an email, [where I was] asked if it was something I might be up for. Writing a musical is not something that had ever really appealed to me, but ... I found myself thinking this could be interesting and fun.”
The legendary film stars James Stewart as George Bailey, a selfless but embattled man contemplating suicide on Christmas Eve after he is framed for defrauding customers of the bank in his small American town.
If all goes according to planned, it will open in London in late 2020.