A flock of sheep will investigate the death of their shepherd when the mystery comedy The Sheep Detectives arrives in theaters. The upcoming film features Hugh Jackman as a farmer with a secretive flock who must put their unusual skills to the test.
The movie is based on the 2005 novel Three Bags Full by Leonie Swann and is directed by Kyle Balda. It combines live-action with animated talking sheep, voiced by a famous group of actors. The first official trailer shows the clever sheep taking on a role they never expected after their quiet life on the farm is disrupted.
The Mystery Plot That Has Sheep Playing Detective
The story centers on a shepherd named George Hardy, played by Hugh Jackman. George has a unique nightly tradition: he reads classic murder mystery novels to his flock of sheep. He believes it is a harmless way to help them sleep, unaware that the sheep are not only listening but actively following the plots and arguing about the details among themselves.
Their peaceful routine ends when George is found dead on the grass of his farm. The sheep immediately recognize the situation as a murder from all the crime stories they have heard.
“We found George on the grass, and he’s not moving. Our shepherd was murdered,” says one sheep in the trailer.
Realizing the local police are unprepared for such a case, the sheep decide they are the best hope for finding the truth. They conclude that they must leave the safety of their meadow for the first time and venture into the confusing human world to find George’s killer. The film shows their journey as they use their newfound detective skills.
Meet the Star-Studded Cast of Humans and Sheep
The film brings together a large and notable cast. Jackman’s human character is supported by several key actors. Emma Thompson plays George’s lawyer, a role that becomes important after his death. Nicholas Braun plays Tim Derry, the local police officer described as completely hopeless at solving serious crimes. Nicholas Galitzine is Elliot Matthews, a reporter covering the story. Other human cast members include Molly Gordon as Rebecca Hampstead, Hong Chau as Beth Pennock, and actors Tosin Cole, Kobna Holdbrook-Smith, Conleth Hill, and Mandeep Dhillon.
The talking sheep are voiced by an impressive list of award-winning actors. The voice cast includes Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Bryan Cranston, Chris O’Dowd, Regina Hall, and Patrick Stewart. They are joined by Bella Ramsey, Brett Goldstein, and Rhys Darby to complete the flock. According to the IMDb cast list, some of the sheep have distinct names: Regina Hall voices a sheep named Cloud, Bryan Cranston voices Sebastian, Julia Louis-Dreyfus voices Lily, and Patrick Stewart gives voice to Sir Ritchfield.
Release Date and Where to Watch The Sheep Detectives
Moviegoers can mark their calendars for May 8, 2026, which is the official global release date for The Sheep Detectives. The film will open in the United States and the United Kingdom simultaneously. In the U.S., Amazon MGM Studios is distributing the film, while Sony Pictures Releasing International will handle the release in the U.K..
This date is a change from earlier plans. The film was originally scheduled for release on February 20, 2026, and then moved to November 13, 2026, before the final date of May 8 was chosen. The new spring release positions the film as a potential Mother’s Day weekend movie event. As a theatrical release, the movie will be shown in cinemas nationwide and is not currently scheduled for an immediate streaming release.
Behind the Scenes: From Novel to Film
The Sheep Detectives began as a bestselling novel titled Three Bags Full: A Sheep Detective Story, written by German author Leonie Swann. First published in 2005, the book became an international hit and was translated into more than thirty languages. The story’s charm comes from its unusual point of view, telling a classic murder mystery entirely through the eyes of a flock of curious sheep.
The film adaptation brings together a talented creative team. Kyle Balda, known for directing Minions: The Rise of Gru, is making his live-action directorial debut with this project. The screenplay was written by Craig Mazin, the writer behind the acclaimed dramatic series Chernobyl and The Last of Us, showcasing his range in moving to a comedic mystery. The film is produced by Lindsay Doran, Tim Bevan, and Eric Fellner.
Principal photography for the live-action portions took place in the summer of 2024. Filming occurred at various locations across the English countryside, including Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Oxfordshire, and Surrey. Key scenes were shot at White Pond Farm and soundstage work was completed at the famous Shepperton Studios.
Also Read:
Hugh Jackman’s Busy Schedule Before the Sheep Arrive
While audiences wait for The Sheep Detectives, Hugh Jackman remains highly visible with other major projects. His most immediate release is Song Sung Blue, a musical drama in which he stars opposite Kate Hudson. That film tells the true story of a married Neil Diamond tribute act called Lightning and Thunder and is scheduled for release on December 25, 2025. Jackman and Hudson performed songs from the film in a special concert at New York’s Radio City Music Hall in October 2025 to promote it.
Jackman is also attached to star as the legendary outlaw in The Death of Robin Hood, a new film from the independent studio A24. Of course, he recently returned to his most famous role as Wolverine in the 2024 blockbuster Deadpool & Wolverine, a performance celebrated by fans worldwide.
Also Read: Can This Love Be Translated? K-Drama: Complete Release Schedule, Cast, and Global Streaming Details
