Amazon MGM Studios has unveiled the lineup for its upcoming live-action comedy, “Three Bags Full: A Sheep Detective Movie,” directed by renowned animation filmmaker Kyle Balda, best known for his work on “Minions: The Rise of Gru.”
Leading the ensemble is Hugh Jackman (“The Greatest Showman”), joined by Emma Thompson (“Matilda the Musical”), Nicholas Braun (“Succession”), Nicholas Galitzine (“The Idea of You”), Molly Gordon (“Theater Camp”), Hong Chau (“The Whale”), and Tosin Cole (“Supacell”). The cast also features Kobna Holdbrook-Smith (“Wonka”), Conleth Hill (“Game of Thrones”), and Mandeep Dhillon (“Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker”).
An adaptation of Leonie Swann’s international bestseller, the film is penned by Craig Mazin, acclaimed for his work on HBO’s “The Last of Us” and “Chernobyl.” The story follows George Hardy (Jackman), a shepherd devoted to his sheep, raising them solely for their wool. Unbeknownst to him, his nightly readings of murder mysteries to the flock are understood, and the sheep engage in lengthy debates about the stories. When George is found dead under mysterious circumstances, the sheep quickly deduce it was murder and decide to solve the crime themselves. This leads them into an adventure beyond their meadow, confronting the complexities of the human world.
Kyle Balda, making his live-action debut, is producing the film alongside Lindsay Doran and Working Title’s Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner. Executive producers include Phil Lord, Chris Miller, Aditya Sood, and Tim Wellspring. The film is scheduled for an exclusive theatrical release worldwide on February 20, 2026.
“Three Bags Full,” originally published in Germany in 2005 under the title “Glennkill,” was Swann’s debut novel and an instant hit, dominating bestseller charts and winning the prestigious Glauser Prize for crime fiction in the debut category, as well as a PETA Award. Swann has since published several more murder mysteries, solidifying her place in the genre.
Principal photography has wrapped, stay tuned for more updates.