The Woolly Whodunit: Hugh Jackman and Sentient Sheep Lead Mystery Film Slated for May 2026 Debut

Amazon MGM Studios and Sony Pictures Releasing International have officially locked in the theatrical release date for their upcoming detective feature, The Sheep Detectives. Audiences in the United States and the United Kingdom can mark their calendars for May 8, 2026, when this unique film is set to premiere. This production blends live-action elements with animation, drawing its inspiration from the 2005 novel Three Bags of Wool by Leonie Swann, originally titled Glennkill: Ein Schafskrimi.

The narrative centers on a shepherd named George, portrayed by Hugh Jackman. George had a peculiar habit: he routinely read detective novels aloud to his flock, operating under the assumption that the sheep were incapable of comprehending the complex plots. This assumption shatters dramatically, however, when George is discovered deceased on a hill near the small Irish village of Glennkill. Following this tragedy, the sheep—who are revealed to be fully sentient and self-aware—must utilize the crime-solving knowledge gleaned from their literary education to conduct their own investigation into their master’s murder.

Taking the helm as director is Kyle Balda, a filmmaker well-known for his contributions to Illumination’s animated successes, including Despicable Me 3 and Minions. The screenplay adaptation was handled by Craig Mazin, an Emmy winner recognized for his work on the miniseries Chernobyl and his co-creation of The Last of Us. The ensemble cast is formidable; in addition to Jackman, Emma Thompson features as George’s lawyer. Furthermore, esteemed actors Brian Cranston, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Patrick Stewart lend their voices to several of the key sheep characters.

The production boasts a sprawling cast of talent. Nicholas Brown steps into the role of local police officer Tim Derry, a character whose career history, according to the plot, is notably devoid of any major case closures. The roster of supporting players is extensive, featuring Nicholas Galitzine, Molly Gordon, Hong Chau, Chris O’Dowd, Regina Hall, Bella Ramsey, Brett Goldstein, and Rhys Darby. The source novel hints at a significant financial motive, specifically mentioning a potential sum of 30 million dollars connected to the attorney character played by Thompson.

The core mission for the sheep becomes clear: they are compelled to leave the familiar confines of their pasture and venture out into the human world to unravel the mystery surrounding their owner’s untimely death. Overseeing the production are producers Lindsay Doran, Tim Bevan, and Eric Fellner, with Phil Lord and Christopher Miller serving in executive producer capacities. This unusual premise promises a blend of pastoral charm and high-stakes mystery as the woolly detectives pursue justice.