Legendary songwriter Tim Rice, whose credits include Disney classics “The Lion King” and “Aladdin,” is making his return to animated features after a 25-year absence, joining the animated film “The Land of Sometimes” from Two Daughters Entertainment and Nottage Productions.
The EGOT winner — a rare distinction held by only 21 artists who have won Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony awards — has signed on to pen three new songs for the animated feature slated for release in late 2025. Rice achieved this elite entertainment grand slam through his work on everything from Broadway musicals to Disney blockbusters.
The film boasts an A-list voice cast featuring Ewan McGregor (“Beauty and the Beast”), Helena Bonham Carter (“The Crown”), Alisha Weir (“Matilda: The Musical”), Jessica Henwick (“The Matrix Resurrections”), Asa Butterfield (“Sex Education”) and comedy legend Mel Brooks.
Directed by Leon Joosen (“Saving Santa”), the film follows twins Alfie and Elise as they’re transported to a magical island by the Wish Collector, where they encounter mystical creatures and discover the importance of family bonds.
“The timeless quality of the storytelling in ‘The Land of Sometimes’ reminded me of some of the films I’ve enjoyed working on the most,” Rice said. “So this talented team of producers has lured me back to the silver screen after all these years.”
The project has secured partnerships with Sony Music Masterworks for the soundtrack album and Universal Music Publishing Group for the publishing catalog.
“I am very confident that ‘The Land of Sometimes’ will stand proudly among the amazing films Sir Tim’s songs have elevated,” said James Reatchlous, executive chair of Two Daughters Entertainment. “We are truly honored to have such a legend involved in our movie, his words and music will further bring our enchanted world to life, and I know these songs will endure for many years into the future.”
Industry veterans Bonnie Arnold (“How to Train Your Dragon”) and Alan Yentob (“Billy Elliot”) serve as executive producers alongside Two Daughters’ Reatchlous and CEO Simon Bobin, as well as Spencer Pollard of Kaleidoscope Film Distribution, which handles international sales.
Kaleidoscope will showcase new clips from the feature at the Cannes Film Market.
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