(Image Source: Aniventure)
Known globally for his portrayal of Gollum in "The Lord of the Rings" franchise, British actor Andy Serkis has transitioned into directing, helming films like "Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle" and "Venom: Let There Be Carnage." His next endeavor marks his animated directorial debut with "Animal Farm." The first trailer for the film was released recently, with the full feature set to arrive next year.
※ Watch the first trailer below ▼
The star-studded voice cast for the film includes Seth Rogen, Kathleen Turner, Steve Buscemi, Glenn Close, Laverne Cox, this year's Oscar winner for Best Supporting Actor Kieran Culkin, Woody Harrelson (who previously worked with Serkis on "Venom: Let There Be Carnage"), Jim Parsons (known as Sheldon from "The Big Bang Theory"), Gaten Matarazzo (Dustin from "Stranger Things"), Marvel's Ms. Marvel star Iman Vellani, and Serkis himself.
(Image Source: Aniventure)
The film is an adaptation of George Orwell's classic novel, with the screenplay penned by Nicholas Stoller, director of the "Neighbors" film series. This iteration of "Animal Farm" began development in 2011, originally with Rupert Wyatt, who collaborated with Serkis on "Rise of the Planet of the Apes," attached to direct, while Serkis was slated as a co-writer. Wyatt later departed the project, leading Serkis to take over as director. Serkis initially intended to use his expertise in motion-capture technology for a live-action film, but it ultimately evolved into its current animated form.
Wyatt now serves as a producer, alongside Serkis, voice actor Harrelson, and Matt Reeves, who directed two "Planet of the Apes" sequels with Serkis and also helmed 2022's "The Batman." The film is scheduled for release in North America on May 1st next year.