The new Andy Serkis-directed CG-animated version of George Orwell’s Animal Farm has been acquired by Utah-based Angel and will be released on May 1, 2026. (Angel was previously known as Angel Studios, but it shortened its name to Angel after going public in September.) The film, which premiered at Annecy in June, was produced by Aniventure and Serkis’ Imaginarium, with animation by Cinesite, and is based on Orwell’s 1945 political fable about the Russian revolution and its betrayal by Joseph Stalin. Produced by Adam Nagle, Dave Rosenbaum and Jonathan Cavendish, the movie’s screenplay is by Nicholas Stoller.
“Orwell’s Animal Farm has never felt more relevant,” said Serkis. “In an age where power, propaganda, and inequality shape our societies, it’s vital that we remember his cautionary tale. This adaptation 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. I’m honored that Angel and the Angel Guild are willing to bring this film to big screens around the world.”
The cast includes Seth Rogan as Napoleon; Gaten Matarazzo as Lucky, a young piglet torn between competing ideologies; Steve Buscemi as human bank employee Mr. Whymper; Glenn Close as scheming neighbor Freida Pilkington; Laverne Cox as Snowball (a sow in this adaptation); Kieren Culkin as Squealer; Woody Harrelson as Boxer the horse; Jim Parsons as Carl the sheep (and flock); Kathleen Turner as Benjamin the donkey; and Iman Vellani as piglets Puff and Tammy. Serkis voices Mr. Jones and Randolph the Rooster.
“This is a project of tremendous heart,” said Brandon Purdie, executive vice president of theatrical and brand development at Angel. “Andy Serkis’ visionary direction, combined with this powerhouse cast, creates a film that feels timely, urgent, and deeply human — even though the protagonists might be pigs, donkeys, and horses. We’re confident that moviegoers will see not just a story of farm animals, but a mirror held up to our world today.”
Adam Nagle, CEO of Aniventure said, “We are thrilled to partner with Angel Studios, as their unique connection with audiences, amplified by an exceptional marketing team, ensures this story will get in front of as many people as possible. We are incredibly proud of this adaptation we have made and can’t wait for everyone to see it.”
This is not the first time Orwell’s classic has been adapted into film and TV projects. In 1954, Animal Farm was adapted into an animated British feature directed by Joy Batchelor and John Halas, and in 1991, a Hallmark/TNT adaptation by John Stephenson featured animatronic animals by The Jim Henson Creature Shop (with the voices of Patrick Stewart, Kelsey Grammer, Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Peter Ustinov).
You can watch the first trailer below:
