The Sheep Detectives

The Sheep Detectives (2026) is an American-British mystery comedy directed by Kyle Balda and written by Craig Mazin, based on Leonie Swann’s bestselling 2005 novel Three Bags Full. Produced by Amazon MGM Studios, Working Title Films, Three Strange Angels, and Lord Miller Productions, the film features a star-studded cast led by Hugh Jackman, Nicholas Braun, Nicholas Galitzine, Molly Gordon, Hong Chau, and Emma Thompson, alongside an acclaimed voice cast including Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Bryan Cranston, Chris O’Dowd, Regina Hall, Patrick Stewart, Bella Ramsey, and Brett Goldstein. The film’s score is composed by Christophe Beck.

Set in the peaceful English village of Denbrook, the story follows a flock of unusually intelligent sheep whose tranquil lives are turned upside down after their beloved shepherd, George Hardy, is mysteriously murdered. Having spent years listening to George read detective novels, the sheep—led by the clever ewe Lily, the sharp-minded Mopple, and the fearless Sebastian—decide to solve the murder before the local authorities can uncover the truth.

As their investigation unfolds, the flock uncovers hidden family secrets, a fortune left behind by George, and a web of deception involving inheritance, betrayal, and murder. Along the way, the sheep are forced to confront difficult truths about loss, grief, memory, and mortality, making their journey far more emotional than they ever imagined. Blending whimsical humor, heartfelt storytelling, and an engaging murder mystery, the film delivers a unique family adventure with surprising emotional depth.

Released on 8 May 2026, The Sheep Detectives was produced on an estimated budget of $75 million and became a commercial success, earning approximately $126 million worldwide. The film also received widespread critical acclaim for its heartfelt screenplay, charming performances, witty humor, impressive visual effects, and thoughtful exploration of life and loss, making it one of the year’s most beloved family films.