The success of animal-centric films like Pixar's Hoppers and The Sheep Detectives suggests that talking-animal movies are no longer just for kids. Hoppers, which premiered in March, features a storyline where a human uploads her consciousness into an animal robot. The film's cast includes Jon Hamm, Meryl Streep, and Bobby Moynihan, and it was even covered by The New Yorker.
Star-Studded Casting
The latest entrant in this genre is The Sheep Detectives, directed by Kyle Balda and written by Craig Mazin. The film features a cast that includes Hugh Jackman, Emma Thompson, and Hong Chau as humans, while sheep characters are voiced by stars like Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Bella Ramsey, and Bryan Cranston. The movie tells the story of a group of mystery-loving sheep solving the murder of their shepherd.
The Sheep Detectives earned rave reviews from The New York Times and is considered a must-watch by Vogue editors.
The Viral Animal Cast
With the success of these films, the question arises: Who should voice viral animals next? Chonkers, a 2,000-pound sea lion from San Francisco's Pier 39, could be voiced by J.K. Simmons, Jack Black, or Robert De Niro. Chonkers went viral in April due to his food-motivated antics.
Then there's Moo Deng, the pygmy hippo from Thailand, known for her chaotic energy. Bowen Yang, who portrayed Moo Deng on Saturday Night Live, could bring her to life on the big screen. His ability to embrace humor and chaos makes him a strong candidate.
Punch the Monkey's Appeal
Punch the Monkey, a Japanese macaque, gained fame in February after seeking comfort in an orangutan stuffed animal. This baby monkey's story of vulnerability and redemption could be perfectly captured by Elijah Wood or Andy Samberg. Punch's journey from being attacked by peers to forming bonds tells a compelling narrative.
As talking-animal films continue to attract top-tier talent, these viral animals might soon find their voices in Hollywood, contributing to the genre's growing appeal among adults.
Source: https://www.vogue.com/article/who-should-be-the-next-sheep-detective
