Jeff Goldblum to voice lead character in new musical animation, ‘They Shot The Piano Player’

6 November 2019, 12:30 | Updated: 6 November 2019, 21:30

The forthcoming animation stars jazz pianist Jeff Goldblum and features music from some of Brazil’s best-loved bossa nova composers – here’s everything you need to know.

Jeff Goldblum is set to voice the lead character in a new musical animation, They Shot The Piano Player.

The world-class jazz pianist plays the part of a New York music journalist who is on a mission to investigate the disappearance of young Brazilian piano virtuoso, Tenorio JR.

The story traces its origins to the Latino musical movement, bossa nova, capturing a period of creative freedom in Latin American history during the 1960s and ‘70s, before many local communities were engulfed by oppressive regimes.

The stellar soundtrack features Brazilian singer, songwriter and guitarist João Gilberto, who was a pioneer of bossa nova in the late 1950s and often called the “father of bossa nova”.

There will also be music from two Brazilian composers, singers and political activists ­– Caetano Veloso and Gilberto Gil, as well as contributions from poet and lyricist, Vinicius de Moraes, and clarinettist and saxophonist, Paulo Moura.

Spanish director Fernando Trueba and illustrator Javier Mariscal, the winning duo behind Oscar-nominated movie, Chico & Rita, are leading the project, which is currently in pre-production and being funded by London-based company, Film Constellation.

Their 2010 animated drama won over audiences with its romantic story about a young piano player and beautiful singer with an extraordinary voice, who fall in love until the bolero – a traditional Latin ballad – brings heartache and torment.

Trueba also directed the music documentary Calle 54, exploring the Latin Jazz music scene, while Mariscal has illustrated covers of New Yorker and recently collaborated with designer Louis Vuitton on a travel book.

Fabien Westerhoff, executive producer at Film Constellation, said: “We’re delighted to bring such an incredible team together.

“Fernando’s unique access to the best of Latin Jazz musicians, and Javier’s iconic drawings make for a formidable musical journey, exploring the grace and tragedy that make us human, and connecting people worldwide.”

Goldblum has previously starred in some of the highest-grossing movies of his era, including Jurassic Park, Independence Day and The Grand Budapest Hotel.

The release date for They Shot The Piano Player is still to be announced.