Initial Glance at Andy Serkis' 'Animal Farm' Preview Showcases Seth Rogen as Poultry Puppeteer
In the animal kingdom, it's the year 2025 and the barnyard was abuzz with anticipation for a tale as old as time, but never quite as urgent - George Orwell's "Animal Farm." Directed by none other than the masterful Andy Serkis, this animated marvel was set to premiere at the Annecy Animated Film Festival before its official release.
"Animal Farm," published in 1945, was a biting commentary on the Russian Revolution of 1917, and while Orwell's classic 1984 may still rule in resonance, this oldie but goodie hasn't lost its punch. The first peek into Serkis' long-awaited adaptation offers a sneak peek at Seth Rogen as the notorious Napoleon, guiding the younger pig Lucky (Gaten Matarazzo of Stranger Things fame) with the ominous words, "Things aren't always what they seem, and I'll help you decide what's right!"
As Napoleon is a stand-in for Stalin in Orwell's story, these words don't exactly bode well for the future of the barnyard. Kieran Culkin's Squealer manages to squeeze in a comic relief moment at the scene's end.
Variety was the first to debut this clip, and it certainly has us hog wild with excitement as we inch closer to the premiere. But don't be fooled by the cartoony aesthetics, for beneath the playful exterior lie themes that may leave your tail between your legs.
Originally, the plan was to create a motion-capture production. However, as 13 years can attest, evolution happens. Revolution becomes more urgent. In the clip, it's clear that the final product opted for CG animation instead.
According to the film's press materials, Serkis intended to ensure that the performances weren't merely pantomimed, but filled with internalized emotion. "It's a political fairytale that needed to feel both painterly and real," Serkis shared.
While Serkis initially hinted at a more family-friendly take in 2012 when the project was first revealed, the themes of the film may veer edgier than expected. To quote the esteemed filmmaker himself, "It's Wolf of Wall Street meets Bronx Tale, through the eyes of a pig."
The official synopsis of the film reads: "When a group of farm animals rebel and kick their negligent farmer off the land, the dream of a free, equitable future is within sight. But power struggles among some of literature's most infamous characters take hold, and the reality of living in a world designed for mankind inevitably complicates and corrodes the satirical and allegorical, Animal Farm."
In addition to Serkis himself, the star-studded cast includes renowned actors like Steve Buscemi, Glenn Close, Woody Harrelson, Laverne Cox, Jim Parsons, Kathleen Turner, and Iman Vellani. Although a theatrical release date hasn't been set, it's safe to bet we'll be seeing it later in 2025.
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Disney is diving into the realm of science fiction and politics with its upcoming animated movie "Animal Farm," based on George Orwell's classic novel. The AI-driven CG animation, directed by Andy Serkis, features a star-studded cast, including Steve Buscemi, Glenn Close, and Iman Vellani, promising a blend ofpolitics, satire, and allegory closely resembling "Wolf of Wall Street meets Bronx Tale, through the eyes of a pig." As the premiere approaches, fans are eagerly anticipating the streaming release, adding another dimension to the entertainment landscape. io9 will keep you updated on the latest news about "Animal Farm" and other popular franchises like Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek, DC Universe, and Doctor Who.
