David Byrne has described the experience of composing music for the upcoming film adaptation of The Twits as “fun.” The musician, renowned for his work with Talking Heads, has partnered with Hayley Williams, lead singer of Paramore, for this project. The animated film, set to premiere on October 17, 2023, is a new adaptation of the classic children’s book by Roald Dahl, produced by Netflix.
Byrne shared his enthusiasm for the project in an interview with Variety, noting that, like many of Dahl’s works, the story features a cast of dreadful characters, particularly the titular Mr. and Mrs. Twit. He believes that both children and adults enjoy experiencing these “worst impulses” portrayed in a humorous context. “When I was approached to write some songs for this movie, I immediately said, ‘Let me give it a try and see if you like what I come up with,’” Byrne explained.
In addition to creating the original score, Byrne wrote and produced three songs for the film: “We’re Not Like Ev’ryone Else,” “Lullaby,” and “The Problem Is You.” These tracks will be performed by the film’s cast, and he also collaborated with Williams on the end credits song, “Open the Door.” Their previous collaborations include work on Byrne’s upcoming album, Who Is the Sky?
Williams expressed her excitement about being part of the project, saying, “Being a part of this movie is like one pinch-me moment after another.” She reminisced about her childhood connection to The Twits, stating that she has always been intrigued by twisted characters like Mr. and Mrs. Twit. Williams was particularly impressed by how directors Phil Johnston and Meg Favreau adapted the original story and the film’s unique animation style.
The film tells the story of Mr. and Mrs. Twit, characterized as “the meanest, smelliest, nastiest people on the face of the earth,” and their battle against two courageous children and a family of magical Muggle-Wumps. The voice cast features notable talents, including Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Ryan Lopez, Timothy Simons, Nicole Byer, and Alan Tudyk, among others. Notably, comic Johnny Vegas and actress Margo Martindale lend their voices to the Twits, alongside Emilia Clarke and Natalie Portman.
Johnston, the film’s director, expressed his disbelief at collaborating with Byrne, whom he has admired since childhood. He recalled the moment Byrne sent him a demo featuring a “100-year-old banjolele,” which made him eager to hear the music. When discussing potential collaborators for the end credits song, Johnston stated that Byrne immediately suggested Williams, to which he enthusiastically responded, “yes… followed by ‘please.’”
The animation for The Twits is being produced by Jellyfish Pictures, a company known for its work on films like The Boss Baby and The Bad Guys. With the combination of Byrne’s musical talents and the creative direction from Johnston and Favreau, the film promises to deliver a fresh take on Dahl’s beloved story, appealing to both new audiences and longtime fans.
