Hugh Jackman Stars in 96% Rated Sheep Detectives

Hugh Jackman stars as a shepherd whose mysterious death spurs his intelligent flock of sheep to solve a murder in "The Sheep Detectives," an upcoming family-friendly mystery comedy that has earned strong early praise from critics ahead of its May 8, 2026, theatrical release.

Directed by Kyle Balda, known for animated hits like "Minions: The Rise of Gru," and written by Craig Mazin of "The Last of Us" and "Chernobyl," the film adapts Leonie Swann's novel "Three Bags Full." It centers on George Hardy, played by Jackman, who reads detective novels aloud each night to his sheep in a quiet Irish village, unaware that they comprehend every word and debate the plots afterward. When George turns up dead under suspicious circumstances, the sheep, led by Lily voiced by Julia Louis-Dreyfus, take matters into their own hooves. They navigate the human world, interrogating suspects including a bumbling local policeman Tim Derry (Nicholas Braun), a reporter Elliot Matthews (Nicholas Galitzine), and others like a butcher, priest, and George's estranged daughter.

The ensemble cast blends live-action and voice performances. Human roles also feature Emma Thompson as Lydia Harbottle, Molly Gordon,...