Seth Rogen, Kieran Culkin & More Cast of Animated ‘Animal Farm’ Movie

Preview:

• Seth Rogen, Glenn Close and more will lend their voices to ‘Animal Farm.’
• Andy Serkis is in the director’s chair.
• The movie adapts the classic George Orwell novel of authoritarianism.

In development for several years now, it would seem that Animal Farm.’

We’ve been hearing about this one on and off for a while now, with talk of performance capture and at least one cast list floating around.

Yet Variety brings word of a seemingly confirmed all-star cast for the project.

Iman Vellani are all reportedly aboard the movie.

Related Article: Andy Serkis and 'Luther' Creator Neil Cross Talk 'Luther: The Fallen Sun'

What’s the story of ‘Animal Farm’?

Orwell’s 1945 novella tells the story of a group of anthropomorphic farm animals who rebel against their human farmer, hoping to create a society where the animals can be equal, free, and happy. Ultimately, the rebellion is betrayed, and under the dictatorship of a pig named Napoleon, the farm ends up in a far worse state than before.

The author –– who also touched on authoritarian metaphors with ‘1984,’ –– always said that ‘Animal Farm’ reflects events leading up to the Russian Revolution of 1917 and then on into the Stalinist era of the Soviet Union, a period when Russia lived under the Marxist–Leninist ideology of Joseph Stalin.

Orwell, a democratic socialist, was a critic of Stalin and hostile to Moscow-directed Stalinism, an attitude that was critically shaped by his experiences during the Barcelona May Days conflicts during the Spanish Civil War.
While Serkis’ ‘You’re Cordially Invited,’ wrote the actual shooting script.

Who is who in ‘Animal Farm’?

While not every cast member has a confirmed character, we do have a few details…

Rogen is voicing Napoleon, the pig who assumes command of the farm and ends up becoming a despot on four legs (and then two legs).

Culkin is on to be Squealer, a small, white, fat large white pig who serves as Napoleon's second-in-command and minister of propaganda.

Serkis, meanwhile, is playing Benjamin, a donkey, one of the oldest, wisest animals on the farm, and one of the few who can read properly. He is skeptical, temperamental and cynical: his most frequent remark is, “Life will go on as it has always gone on –– that is, badly.” Many have pointed to Orwell adding something of himself to the character.

Here’s what Serkis has previously said about the project:

“The challenging journey to bring this extraordinary story to the screen has been finally rewarded by the opportunity to partner with the brilliant team at Aniventure and Cinesite. Together we hope to make our version of Orwell’s ever relevant masterpiece, emotionally powerful, humorous, and relatable for all ages. A tale not only for our times, but for generations to come.”

Where else can I seen the cast?

Rogen is currently enjoying great reviews for his The Studio,’ about a stressed movie executive trying to navigate art and commerce.

Close has earned eight Damages.’

Matarazzo is best known for his work on The Angry Birds Movie 2.’

Buscemi might be most famous for movies including ‘Monsters, Inc.”

Cox starred in Netflix’s ‘Disclosure.’

Culkin recently won the Succession.’

Harrelson is a three-time Oscar nominee whose credits include Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri’ and ‘The People vs. Larry Flynt.’

Parsons is best known for his work on ‘The Marvels.’

When will ‘Animal Farm’ be on screens?

While Variety’s story makes no mention of a release date (and the movie’s connection to Netflix would not naturally scream theatrical), World of Reel is reporting, and the IMDb lists, a July 11th release for ‘Animal Farm.’

Of course, given the long history of this one, we’ll believe it when it’s in cinemas or on our screens some other way.

List of Movies Directed by Andy Serkis:

• 'Breathe' (2018)
• 'Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle' (2018)
• 'Venom: Let There Be Carnage' (2021)

'Buy Andy Serkis Movies on Amazon