Hugh Jackman is trading his claws for hooves in what might be 2026's most delightfully bizarre premise. "The Sheep Detectives" follows a flock of mystery-loving sheep who must solve their beloved shepherd's murder when local authorities prove less than capable.

Based on Leonie Swann's bestselling 2005 novel "Three Bags Full," the film centers on George Hardy, a kind-hearted shepherd who reads murder mysteries to his flock every night. What George doesn't realize is that his woolly audience has been paying very close attention. When George is found dead under mysterious circumstances, the sheep recognize it as murder and decide they're better equipped to crack the case than the local cop who's never solved a serious crime in his life.

What makes this project particularly intriguing is the creative team behind it. The screenplay comes from Craig Mazin, best known for his dramatically intense work on "Chernobyl" and "The Last of Us," marking his first venture into family comedy. Directing duties fall to Kyle Balda of "The Lorax" and "Minions" fame, making this his live-action directorial debut.

Early reactions to the trailer suggest the film captures a charming "Babe"-like quality, with the adorable flock running through a small town trying to honor their shepherd's memory. The blend of live-action humans and CGI sheep appears to have struck the right balance, giving audiences renewed hope in computer-generated animals done right.

With its quirky premise, stellar cast, and creative pedigree, "The Sheep Detectives" looks poised to be one of the year's most unexpected delights. It's the kind of original, family-friendly fare that Hollywood doesn't make enough of anymore, and audiences are already flocking to see it.