Andy Serkis, the chameleonic actor behind Gollum and Snoke, is stepping behind the camera once again. This time to bring George Orwell’s iconic novel Animal Farm, but not with a dystopian drama, but a bold animated take. The British actor and filmmaker has assembled a strikingly diverse voice cast to reimagine tale of rebellion, power, and corruption on the farm.
Leading the charge is Seth Rogen as Napoleon, the scheming pig who replaces human tyranny with one of his own making. Alongside him, Gaten Matarazzo, Glenn Close, Kieran Culkin, Laverne Cox, Steve Buscemi, Woody Harrelson, Jim Parsons, Kathleen Turner and Iman Vellani lend their vocal talents to the revolution. Serkis himself will also lend his voice to the production.
The screenplay is adapted by Nick Stoller (The Muppets, Storks), and it’s safe to expect a deft blend of humour and gravitas. Produced by Aniventure and Serkis’ Imaginarium, the film brings in Matt Reeves and Woody Harrelson as executive producers, with animation by Cinesite and production from Frankenweenie’s Connie Nartonis Thompson.
Though Animal Farm has seen many adaptations, this version looks set to stand apart — less textbook retelling, more timely reimagining. With voices this distinctive, Orwell’s animals may never have sounded quite so familiar.
