eOne has snapped up the Canadian and U.K. rights to the CG musical Gnomeo and Juliet, based on the Shakespeare play, with plans to release the film in February, 2011.

The deal was announced Wednesday by eOne and the film’s sales agent Pathé International.

Directed by Kelly Asbury, the 3D animation puts a comic twist on the classic tale and is set on Verona Drive where a series of backyard battles ensue between the Montague and Capulet garden gnomes. James McAvoy (Atonement, Wanted) voices Gnomeo, while Emily Blunt (The Devil Wears Prada) is featured as Juliet. The film also showcases the voice talents of Maggie Smith, Michael Caine, Ozzy Osborne and Jason Statham.

The film is produced by Rocket Pictures, the shingle of partners David Furnish and Elton John, alongside Steve Hamilton Shaw and Disney’s Baker Bloodworth. It will feature songs from John, including new songs and classic hits from the artist and his long-time writing partner Bernie Taupin.

The characters for Gnomeo and Juliet were created by Toronto’s Starz Animation.

‘With exceptional animation, a phenomenal cast and amazing music, we firmly believe that audiences in the U.K. and Canada will fall in love with this picture,’ commented eOne’s president of filmed entertainment Patrice Theroux in a release.