Trailer For Andy Serkis-Directed Animated Adaptation of ANIMAL FARM is Not What I Expected
Angel Studios has released the first full trailer for Andy Serkis’ animated adaptation of Animal Farm, and it looks like this classic George Orwell tale is getting a very dumbed down treatment with kind of a sci-fi element?
The story has been adapted plenty of times before, but this version leans animated adventure comedy with Serkis’ filmmaking style. The trailer teases a vibrant, chaotic reinterpretation of the novel, and while it looks silly, it attempts to incorportate the themes that made Orwell’s work endure.
Serkis shared why this project mattered to him, saying: "Orwell's Animal Farm has never felt more relevant. In an age where power, propaganda, & inequality shape our societies, it's vital that we remember his cautionary tale.
“This [movie] isn't just a story for entertainment — it's a reminder that democracy, freedom, and integrity are fragile, and must be watched over. My hope is that audiences walk away moved, thoughtful, and inspired to stand up for the values that matter."
With those intentions driving the film, the creative team seems determined to spark conversation while offering something fun and unexpected.
The voice cast includes Seth Rogen as Napoleon, Gaten Matarazzo voices Lucky, Steve Buscemi plays Mr. Whymper, Glenn Close voices Freida Pilkington, Laverne Cox brings Snowball to the screen, Kieran Culkin takes on Squealer, Woody Harrelson plays Boxer, Jim Parsons is Carl the sheep, Serkis himself voices Mr. Jones and Randolph the Rooster, Kathleen Turner plays Benjamin the donkey, and Iman Vellani voices piglets Puff and Tammy.
Here’s the synopsis: “When a group of farm animals rebel and kick their neglectful farmer off the land, life is good and the dream of a free, equitable future is within sight.
“But power struggles among some of literature’s most infamous characters ensue and the realities of living in a world designed for mankind complicates and corrupts the satirical and allegorical, Animal Farm.”
Angel Studios will release Serkis’ Animal Farm in theaters nationwide on May 1, 2026. This new take looks energetic and strange. I don’t know, I’m not really feeling it in this first trailer. I was expecting something better.