A new trailer for The Sheep Detectives has been released, offering a closer look at the unusual murder mystery led by Hugh Jackman — though in a major twist, it is his character’s death that sets the entire story in motion.
Based on Leonie Swann’s cult novel Three Bags Full, the film centres on a flock of sheep who secretly understand the detective novels their shepherd reads aloud to them each night.
Jackman plays George Hardy, a quiet farmer who unknowingly trains his animals in the art of deduction through his nightly readings.
However, when he is found dead under mysterious circumstances, the sheep quickly realise something is amiss — and set out to solve the case themselves.
The newly released trailer leans heavily into the absurdity of that premise, while still maintaining the structure of a classic whodunnit.
Set to the iconic Psycho Killer, the footage shows the flock analysing suspects, piecing together clues and navigating the complexities of human behaviour — often with chaotic and comedic results.
At the centre of the investigation is Lily, a sharp-minded Shetland sheep voiced by Julia Louis-Dreyfus, who becomes convinced that George’s death was no accident.
While Jackman’s presence has been a major focus of the film’s marketing, his role appears largely confined to the opening act, with the narrative shifting to the sheep as the true protagonists.
The voice cast behind the flock is notably stacked, featuring performances from Bryan Cranston, Chris O'Dowd, Regina Hall, Patrick Stewart, Bella Ramsey, Brett Goldstein and Rhys Darby, all lending their voices to various members of the crime-solving flock.
On the human side, the ensemble includes Emma Thompson, Nicholas Braun, Molly Gordon and Hong Chau, each playing potential suspects in what appears to be a deliberately convoluted mystery.
The trailer keeps its cards close to its chest, offering glimpses of suspicious behaviour and tense encounters without revealing the identity of the killer.
Behind the camera, the film is directed by Kyle Balda, best known for his work on the Despicable Me franchise and the Minions films. His background in animated comedy is evident in the film’s tone, which blends visual humour and character-driven gags with the more traditional beats of a detective story.
The screenplay comes from Craig Mazin, whose recent work on Chernobyl and The Last of Us has earned widespread critical acclaim for its darker, more serious storytelling — making this project a notable departure into more playful territory.
What sets The Sheep Detectives apart is its willingness to fully embrace its unconventional premise while also poking fun at the mystery genre itself.
The sheep, having absorbed the tropes of detective fiction through George’s readings, begin to mirror those conventions in their own investigation, offering a layer of tongue-in-cheek commentary on how such stories typically unfold.
In terms of release, the film is currently confirmed to arrive in cinemas on May 8th, but there has yet to be official confirmation of an Irish release date.
That said, films of this scale and with such a recognisable cast typically secure distribution across multiple territories, even if on a staggered schedule.
It is possible that Irish audiences could see the film arrive in cinemas later in May or early summer, though a streaming-first release in some regions cannot be ruled out given shifting industry trends.
For Irish viewers, the inclusion of Chris O’Dowd in the voice cast may further boost local interest, while Jackman’s continued popularity — particularly following his high-profile roles in recent years — ensures the film already has a strong international profile.
Add in the curiosity factor of its premise, and The Sheep Detectives looks poised to stand out as one of the more unusual releases of the year.
