Amazon MGM Studios Brings Bestselling Novel “Three Bags Full” to the Screen
Hugh Jackman Leads Ensemble Cast in Comedy-Mystery About Crime-Solving Sheep
A new family mystery-comedy featuring an all-star cast is set to arrive on Prime Video worldwide on June 24, as Amazon MGM Studios prepares to launch The Sheep Detectives, a film adaptation of Leonie Swann’s bestselling novel Three Bags Full.
Directed by Kyle Balda and written by acclaimed screenwriter Craig Mazin, the film combines mystery, comedy and family entertainment in a story that turns a flock of sheep into unlikely detectives. The production is presented by Amazon MGM Studios in association with Working Title and Three Strange Angels.
The film centres on George, played by Hugh Jackman, a shepherd with a passion for detective novels. Each evening, George reads mystery stories aloud to his flock, believing they are incapable of understanding the tales. However, when a mysterious incident disrupts life on the farm, the sheep take matters into their own hooves and launch an investigation of their own.
According to the studio synopsis, the sheep begin following clues and examining a range of human suspects, demonstrating that intelligence and determination can come from the most unexpected places. The story blends classic whodunnit elements with humour and family-friendly storytelling, creating what the studio describes as “a witty, new breed of mystery.”
The project features one of the most notable ensemble casts assembled for a family film in recent years. Alongside Jackman, the cast includes Nicholas Braun, Nicholas Galitzine, Molly Gordon, Tosin Cole, Hong Chau and Emma Thompson.
Additional cast members include Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Bryan Cranston, Chris O’Dowd, Regina Hall, Patrick Stewart, Bella Ramsey, Brett Goldstein and Rhys Darby, bringing together talent from film, television and stage productions.
The screenplay and screen story were both written by Craig Mazin, whose previous work has earned critical acclaim across television and film projects. The adaptation is based on Swann’s internationally popular mystery novel, which gained attention for its unconventional premise and blend of humour and suspense.
Production duties were handled by Lindsay Doran, Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner. The executive producer team includes Tyson Hesse, Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, Sarah-Jane Wright, Amelia Granger, Aditya Sood and Tim Wellspring.
The film has been rated PG for thematic material, some violent content and brief language, positioning it as family-oriented entertainment while retaining the suspenseful elements expected from a mystery story.
Amazon MGM Studios has also released promotional material ahead of the film’s debut, including a final preview clip described as “the fleece de résistance,” giving audiences one last look at the story before its global release. A trailer has also been made available as part of the marketing campaign.
The release reflects Prime Video’s continued investment in original family programming and high-profile adaptations of established literary works. By pairing a well-known novel with a cast featuring award-winning actors and comedians, the streaming platform is aiming to attract both younger viewers and adults seeking light-hearted mystery entertainment.
Family-oriented mystery films remain a popular category for streaming audiences, particularly those that combine humour with accessible detective storytelling. The Sheep Detectives seeks to build on that appeal by offering an unusual perspective on the classic crime-solving genre, placing a flock of observant sheep at the centre of the investigation.
With its blend of comedy, mystery and a cast packed with internationally recognized performers, The Sheep Detectives is positioned as one of Prime Video’s notable family releases of the summer.
The film will be available to stream globally on Prime Video beginning June 24.