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The Sheep Detectives
A cozy yet profound murder mystery where an innocent flock of sheep become amateur detectives to solve their beloved shepherd's death, proving that the most overlooked creatures often see the deepest human truths.
The Sheep Detectives
The Sheep Detectives

"A new breed of mystery."

30 April 2026 United States of America 114 min 7.9 (1,088)

Director: Kyle Balda

Cast: Hugh Jackman, Nicholas Braun, Nicholas Galitzine, Molly Gordon, Julia Louis-Dreyfus

Family Comedy Mystery Grief and Remembrance The Deceptiveness of Appearances Community and Belonging Innocence vs. Human Corruption
Budget: $75,000,000
Box Office: $130,574,611

The Sheep Detectives — Characters & Cast

Character Analysis

George Hardy

Hugh Jackman

Archetype: The Mentor / Catalyst Key Trait: Compassionate

Motivation

To live a peaceful life away from human complications and to care deeply for his flock.

Character Arc

Though he dies early in the film, George's presence looms large through flashbacks and the legacy of love and knowledge he left his flock. He goes from a lonely man to a revered father figure in the eyes of his sheep.

Tim Derry

Nicholas Braun

Archetype: Unlikely Hero / Ally Key Trait: Insecure but earnest

Motivation

To prove himself as a capable officer and to find a place where he is respected.

Character Arc

Tim starts as a bumbling, timid, and lonely police officer who nobody takes seriously. Through his collaboration with the sheep, he gains confidence, ultimately solving the crime and finding a sense of belonging.

Lily

Julia Louis-Dreyfus

Archetype: The Detective / Protagonist Key Trait: Clever and inquisitive

Motivation

To find justice for her beloved shepherd and understand the truth about death.

Character Arc

Lily begins as a sheltered, innocent sheep whose worldview is based on comforting lies and storybook tropes. The investigation forces her to confront the ugly realities of death and human nature, maturing into a wise leader.

Sebastian

Bryan Cranston

Archetype: The Protector Key Trait: Cynical but loyal

Motivation

To protect the flock from the dangers of the outside world, particularly the local butcher.

Character Arc

Sebastian is independent, gruff, and fiercely protective due to past trauma. Throughout the film, he learns to trust others and work within the flock to achieve a common goal.

Mopple

Chris O'Dowd

Archetype: The Sidekick / Memory Bank Key Trait: Observant and perpetually hungry

Motivation

To find the next meal, while also supporting Lily's quest for justice.

Character Arc

Mopple provides comic relief with his constant hunger, but his incredible memory becomes vital to the investigation. He learns to use his unique skills for the greater good.

Cast

Hugh Jackman as George Hardy
Nicholas Braun as Officer Tim Derry
Nicholas Galitzine as Elliot Matthews
Molly Gordon as Rebecca Hampstead
Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Lily (voice)
Bryan Cranston as Sebastian (voice)
Chris O'Dowd as Mopple (voice)
Regina Hall as Cloud (voice)
Patrick Stewart as Sir Ritchfield (voice)
Bella Ramsey as Zora (voice)
Rhys Darby as Wool-Eyes (voice)
Brett Goldstein as Ronnie / Reggie (voice)
Emma Thompson as Lydia Harbottle
Hong Chau as Beth Pennock
Tosin Cole as Caleb Merrow

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