In a whimsical turn of events that feels straight out of Beatles lore, Sir Paul McCartney is set to lend his voice and some of his signature musical magic to an upcoming animated feature where he will star as a walrus. Yes, you read that correctly: Paul McCartney is officially a walrus.
The film, titled “I Am the Walrus: A Sea of Dreams,” is currently in production and promises to be a fantastical underwater adventure that blends humor, heart, and classic rock influences. The project is being helmed by Oscar-winning animation studio Lumen Works, known for their critically acclaimed 2023 film “The Cloud Garden.”
A Full-Circle Moment
Fans of The Beatles will immediately recognize the nod to the 1967 surrealist anthem “I Am the Walrus,” one of the group’s most enigmatic and psychedelic tracks. For decades, Beatles enthusiasts have debated the song’s cryptic lyrics, particularly the line “I am the walrus,” which McCartney’s late bandmate John Lennon famously sang.
Though McCartney wasn’t the “walrus” in the original song (that honor belonged to Lennon), this new film seems to hand the mantle directly to him. In the movie, McCartney will voice Wally, a wise, peace-loving walrus who serves as a reluctant guide to a group of misfit sea creatures on a journey to save their coral reef home from destruction.
More Than a Voice Role
McCartney is more than just the lead voice actor he’s also contributing original songs to the soundtrack. While details remain under wraps, sources close to the production say the soundtrack will feature a mix of newly penned tracks and reimagined classics, including a stripped-down orchestral version of “Octopus’s Garden,” with McCartney’s blessing.
“This project is just pure joy,” McCartney said in a statement. “It’s playful, a bit surreal, and has a good message at its heart. And yes, after all these years, I finally get to be the walrus.”
A Cast Full of Icons
Joining McCartney is an eclectic cast of voice talent including Awkwafina as a feisty squid named Inky, Daniel Kaluuya as a philosophical sea turtle, and Emma Thompson as a no-nonsense narwhal matriarch. The film is being directed by Lumen Works co-founder Nia Jacobs, who described McCartney’s involvement as “a dream come true.”
“He brought such warmth and humor to the character,” Jacobs said. “It’s like Wally was written with him in mind even though we never imagined we’d actually get Paul McCartney.”
A 2026 Release on the Horizon
“I Am the Walrus: A Sea of Dreams” is slated for a summer 2026 release, with a worldwide theatrical launch followed by streaming availability. Industry insiders predict the film could follow in the footsteps of Yellow Submarine in terms of cult status, but with a modern twist that appeals to both kids and nostalgic adults.
With McCartney at the helm or rather, on the shell this sea-bound adventure is shaping up to be a one-of-a-kind musical experience that dives deep into the imagination.
And as for the burning question of who the walrus really is? This time, there’s no mystery.
It’s Paul.
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