Amazon MGM
Hugh Jackman’s Shepherd Meets a Shocking Fate in ‘The Sheep Detectives’
Hugh Jackman is stepping into one of the most unconventional roles of his career—only to be killed off and investigated by sheep. Amazon MGM Studios has released the first trailer for “The Sheep Detectives,” a quirky murder mystery set to hit theaters on May 8, 2026, and it’s already shaping up to be one of the most talked-about high-concept films of the year.
Based on Leonie Swann’s cult-favorite novel Three Bags Full: A Sheep Detective Story, the film blends cosy crime storytelling with absurdist humour, asking a simple but irresistible question: What if the smartest detectives at a murder scene were livestock?
A Murder Mystery With a Woolly Twist
Hugh Jackman plays George Hardy, a gentle shepherd who reads detective novels aloud to his beloved flock each night, assuming they can’t possibly understand. But when George is mysteriously found dead in a field, the sheep reveal they’ve been paying very close attention.
Armed with their knowledge of classic whodunnits, the flock secretly bands together to solve their shepherd’s murder, analyzing clues, motives, and suspicious human behavior—all while avoiding detection. As the official synopsis puts it, the sheep prove that even the most underestimated observers can be brilliant crime-solvers.
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An All-Star Cast—On Two Legs and Four
Amazon MGM’s “The Sheep Detectives” boasts a remarkably stacked cast. Nicholas Braun (Succession) plays a bumbling police officer assigned to the case, while Emma Thompson, Molly Gordon, Hong Chau, and Nicholas Galitzine round out the human suspects and villagers.
The sheep themselves are voiced by an A-list ensemble, led by Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Lily, the flock’s sharp-witted leader. Joining her are Bryan Cranston, Chris O’Dowd, Regina Hall, Patrick Stewart, Bella Ramsey, Brett Goldstein, and Rhys Darby, each giving the sheep distinct personalities that elevate the comedy and mystery.
From Minions to Murder: A Unique Creative Team
The film is directed by Kyle Balda, best known for the Minions franchise and Despicable Me 3, marking his live-action feature debut. The screenplay comes from Craig Mazin, the Emmy-winning writer behind Chernobyl and The Last of Us, signaling a rare blend of prestige storytelling and playful genre experimentation.
Produced by Working Title Films, Lord Miller Productions, and Amazon MGM Studios, the movie is positioned as a four-quadrant crowd-pleaser—family-friendly on the surface, but clever enough to entertain adult mystery fans.
‘The Sheep Detectives’ Could Be a Sleeper Hit
With its offbeat premise, acclaimed source material, and top-tier cast, “The Sheep Detectives” taps into the growing appetite for original, genre-blending films. Hugh Jackman’s brief but pivotal role adds emotional weight, while the sheep-led investigation delivers comedy, charm, and genuine intrigue.
In a landscape crowded with sequels and reboots, this baa-rilliant murder mystery may stand out as one of 2026’s most unexpected theatrical delights.
