Andy Serkis’ “Animal Farm” did the impossible.
The “new” take on the George Orwell classic alienated just about everyone, and it somehow united audiences in the process. The film proved too heady for kids but not meaty enough for their parents.
Few rallied to its side, even with its overt culture war implications.
Conservatives raged against it for discarding the source material’s attack on communism for an anti-capitalist bent. Liberal film critics weren’t pleased with it in general, giving the film a terrible 24 percent “rotten” rating.
The only people who liked it? Tucker Carlson and Riley Gaines, apparently.
My husband and I got an early access screening to Animal Farm, an animated adaptation of George Orwell’s novel made by Angel Studios.
Incredibly well done. They do a perfect job of reminding viewers that Marxism always has and always will fail.
In theaters May 1st!… pic.twitter.com/DvLamy02qM
— Riley Gaines (@Riley_Gaines_) April 28, 2026
The film earned a measly $3.4 million over the weekend. What went wrong? In a word, everything.
The title’s rollout should be a primer for how not to bring a film to the public. Here are some key takeaways from the debacle.
Stay In Your Lane
Angel Studios has done a remarkable job producing quality films on a budget. The shingle does so by telling stories that the majors won’t go near, often involving faith-driven plots or uplifting angles. It’s the anti-Hollywood, and it matters.
Think “Sound of Freedom,” “Cabrini” and “Bonhoeffer.”
An adaptation of “Animal Farm” is the perfect fit for the studio, assuming the film hews close to the source material. It didn’t. Now, even diehard Angel Studios admirers are crying foul.
Don’t Insult Your Fans
We’ve seen this story before. A woke company produced a woke dud, and the folks behind it attack the fans instead of taking responsibility for their woke handiwork. This often happens with geek-friendly content tied to “Star Wars,” “Star Trek” or “Doctor Who.”
“Bleep you, bigots!” It’s anti-PR at its worst.
Yet Angel Studios released a comedic short addressing the rancor tied to the project. Along the way, the clip gently attacks those who didn’t appreciate the film. (The studio apparently took down the clip in question)
That’s just dumb.
Editor’s Note: It’s a brutal time to be an independent journalist, but it’s never been more necessary given the sorry state of the corporate press. If you’re enjoying Hollywood in Toto, I hope you’ll consider leaving a coin (or two) in our Tip Jar.
Hollywood, Inc. Is Not Your Friend
Angel Studios roped in some high-caliber voice talent in acquiring “Animal Farm.” Woody Harrelson. Seth Rogen. Glenn Close. That might have been great for the company’s sense of self, but those stars aren’t aligned with the studio’s point of view.
Co-star Laverne Cox, a trans performer, used the film’s promotional circuit to promote trans issues. That’s all well and good for progressive Hollywood, but chances are the average Angel Studios fan wasn’t keen on hearing that argument.
Kids Don’t Want Income Inequality Screeds
Children love going to the movies, and PG-rated fare has helped Hollywood survive through some rough economic times. This year’s hit parade includes kid-friendly titles like “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie,” “Hoppers” and “GOAT.”
“Animal Farm,” with its $3 million opening weekend, won’t come near those films. Why? Children likely aren’t invested in income inequality riffs or laments about consumerism gone wild.
If It Ain’t Broke …
There’s nothing wrong with tweaking classic material. The modern James Bond would never swat a woman on the bottom a la old school 007. Changing it so much that it’s barely recognizable?That’s different.
We saw how audiences responded to the extreme “Snow White” makeover last year. We’re witnessing something similar play out here.