Andy Serkis’ Animated Animal Farm Premieres First Footage Annecy Festival

Andy Serkis's long-anticipated animated adaptation of George Orwell’s “Animal Farm” has debuted its first footage ahead of its world premiere at the Annecy Animation Festival. The film features Seth Rogen as Napoleon, Gaten Matarazzo as Lucky—an original character introduced to provide a fresh perspective—and Kieran Culkin as Squealer, alongside a star-studded cast including Woody Harrelson, Glenn Close, and Steve Buscemi. Serkis aims to present a politically charged yet emotionally centered and family-friendly version of Orwell’s allegory, blending stylized CG animation with grounded realism and avoiding heavy-handed politics. The story follows animals rebelling against their neglectful farmer, initially envisioning a just society before descending into power struggles, with the new character Lucky adding a nuanced dynamic. The film’s tone has been described as a “political fairytale” that balances painterly visuals with the dark satire of the original novella, promising a thought-provoking and entertaining experience. Nicholas Stoller adapted the script, emphasizing a fresh, emotionally resonant take on this classic tale.