Movie fans, get ready to say “baa-rilliant”! The first official trailer for The Sheep Detectives just dropped yesterday (December 18, 2025), and it’s the woolly whodunit we didn’t know we needed. Hugh Jackman plays a beloved shepherd who’s mysteriously murdered – only for his flock of super-smart sheep to turn detective and crack the case themselves.
Directed by Kyle Balda (Minions, Despicable Me 3) in his live-action debut, this mystery comedy hits theaters May 8, 2026 (perfect Mother’s Day weekend timing). Based on Leonie Swann’s 2005 novel Three Bags Full, it’s got cozy crime vibes with dark humor and an absurdly stacked cast.
Plot: A Herder Mystery Like No Other
George Hardy (Jackman) is a kind shepherd who reads murder mystery novels to his sheep every night, pretending they can’t understand. But when George turns up dead under shady circumstances, the sheep realize it’s no accident – and armed with all those detective stories, they launch their own investigation.
Trailer teases hilarious sheep sleuthing: interrogations, clues, suspects, and plenty of puns (“It’s a herder mystery!”). Think Knives Out meets Babe, with CGI sheep that look adorably expressive.
The Sheep Detectives – Official Trailer (2026) Hugh Jackman, Emma Thompson, Patrick Stewart
Insane Voice Cast: The Sheep Steal the Show
The human side has Emma Thompson, Nicholas Braun, Nicholas Galitzine, Molly Gordon, Hong Chau, and more – but the real stars are the sheep voices:
- Bryan Cranston
- Julia Louis-Dreyfus
- Chris O’Dowd
- Regina Hall
- Patrick Stewart
- Bella Ramsey
- Brett Goldstein
- Rhys Darby
Early reactions? Fans are losing it over the banter and wordplay – “unexpected gem” and “2026’s sleeper hit” vibes everywhere.
Why We’re Hyped for This 2026 Release
Written by Craig Mazin (The Last of Us, Chernobyl – but back to his comedy roots), this blends family-friendly fun with sharp adult humor. Trailer’s got cozy farm aesthetics, clever twists, and heart – perfect counter-programming in a blockbuster-heavy year.
Amazon MGM Studios is betting big on theatrical (after date shifts from Feb to May). If the trailer’s any indication, those sheep are about to flock to the top of our most-anticipated list!
What do you think – baa-d idea or genius? Favorite pun from the trailer? Drop your thoughts in comments!
More upcoming gems? Check our full Upcoming Releases previews.
