“Yet this time it would be a narrative story that would consist of three main characters, a small enough ensemble that would allow us to also present the ‘opera’ live on tour…. The music, story and album were finished and ready to go, which is where the story takes a huge detour.

“After meeting Leos at Cannes, we felt a real kinship, so we thought we would send him Annette, not expecting anything other than to show him what Sparks was currently up to. And lo and behold, he said he really liked the album and would like to consider it as his next project. We were happily surprised and elated at his reaction. As fans of Leos’ films, to now realise that he would be directing a film of ours was beyond our dreams.”

It marks the second theatrical project to involve the Mael brothers this year, following the announcement of The Sparks Brothers, Edgar Wright’s documentary on the iconic pop duo.

Last month, the Mael brothers also reunited with Todd Rundgren for the first time in 50 years to record new track ‘Your Fandango’.