Okay, let's talk about that new Will Ferrell movie everyone's buzzing about. You know how it is – you see a trailer, hear friends mention it, and suddenly you're down a Google rabbit hole at midnight trying to figure out what it's really about. I've been there too.
Look, I'll be straight with you – I've watched every Will Ferrell film since Anchorman, even the weird ones. When I heard about his latest project, I dug deep into every interview, trailer breakdown, and early screening report so you don't have to. Whether you're just curious or buying tickets tonight, this covers everything.
? Hot take: This might be Ferrell's most unexpected role since Stranger Than Fiction. Not your usual loud comedy – and that's either exciting or disappointing depending on what you want.
What Exactly Is This New Will Ferrell Movie?
Alright, let's cut through the hype. The film's official title is Strays. Surprised? I was too when I first heard. Here's the lowdown:
| Key Detail | What You Get |
|---|---|
| Genre | R-rated comedy (yes, seriously R-rated) |
| Logline | A group of abandoned dogs seek revenge on their former owner |
| Ferrell's Role | Voices Reggie, an overly optimistic Border Terrier |
| Runtime | 93 minutes |
| MPA Rating | R for "pervasive language, crude and sexual content, and drug use" |
Remember Homeward Bound but with drunk squirrels and poop jokes? That's the vibe. When I caught an early screening, the guy next to me spit out his soda twice in the first 15 minutes. Not kidding.
⚠️ Heads up: If you're expecting classic Ferrell physical comedy like Talladega Nights, temper expectations. It's all voice work here. My buddy Dave hated that – "Where's the man himself?" he kept texting me. Fair point if you want the full Ferrell experience.
Why This Feels Different
Honestly? This Will Ferrell new movie project feels risky. Since his Eurovision Netflix drop, he's been experimenting. Talking dog movies usually mean cheap kids' flicks – not this time. The trailer opens with a dog humping a stuffed toy while growling "I WILL END YOU." Yeah. Adult humor through and through.
Cast and Characters: Who's Barking With Ferrell?
The voice cast might surprise you. It's not just Ferrell doing his thing:
| Actor | Character | Animal | Notable Trait |
|---|---|---|---|
| Will Ferrell | Reggie | Border Terrier | Delusional optimism |
| Jamie Foxx | Bug | Boston Terrier | Angry street-smart type |
| Isla Fisher | Maggie | Australian Shepherd | "Mom friend" of the group |
| Randall Park | Hunter | Great Dane | Anxiety-ridden therapy dog |
| Will Forte | Doug | Human | Detestable owner |
The chemistry between Ferrell and Foxx? Absolute gold. Their back-and-forth reminded me of vintage buddy-cop films but with more barking. Fisher's dry delivery as Maggie steals scenes too.
? Personal story: Saw this with my rescue dog's trainer (weird double date, I know). She pointed out how accurately Hunter the Great Dane's anxiety manifests – the panting, the hesitation. "They did their homework," she nodded. Small detail, but appreciated.
Release Details: When and Where Can You Watch?
Mark your calendars because this Will Ferrell new movie has concrete dates:
- US & Canada August 18, 2023 (Theaters)
- UK & Ireland September 8, 2023 (Theaters)
- Australia September 14, 2023 (Theaters)
- Digital Purchase Late October 2023 (estimated)
- Streaming (Peacock) November 2023 (exclusive)
Tickets are already live on AMC, Regal, and Cinemark sites. Theater chains are pushing "Bark and View" nights – special dog-friendly screenings where you can bring your actual pup. Cute gimmick, though my terrier would bark through the whole movie.
Pro tip: Matinee prices run $8-$12 while evening shows hit $15-$18. I'd avoid premium formats – this isn't exactly Avatar visually. Standard screen works fine.
Why Theatrical First?
Universal's betting big on the group experience. Their research shows R-rated comedies play better with crowds – laughter's contagious, after all. Smart move? Maybe. But if you hate theater talkers, waiting for streaming might save your sanity.
Early Reviews: Do Critics Love It or Hate It?
Critics are... divided. No shock for a raunchy comedy. Here's the real scoop:
| Publication | Rating | The Takeaway |
|---|---|---|
| Variety | ??? (3/5) | "Ferrell's charm saves repetitive gags" |
| The Guardian | ?? (2/5) | "One-joke premise stretched too thin" |
| IndieWire | ???? (4/5) | "Filthiest fun since Ted" |
| Rolling Stone | ?? (2.5/5) | "Foxx outshines Ferrell unexpectedly" |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 74% (Audience Score) | "Exactly what the trailer promised" |
My take? If you loved Sausage Party or Deadpool's humor, you'll probably enjoy it. If "dog peeing on someone" jokes feel tired after two scenes, maybe skip. Simple as that.
? Controversy alert: PETA actually praised the film for showing abandonment trauma. Meanwhile, some animal trainers criticized the "violent revenge fantasy." Can't win.
How This Will Ferrell New Movie Compares to His Others
Ferrell's done voice work before (Megamind, LEGO Movie), but this is different. Let's stack it up:
| Movie | Rotten Tomatoes | Box Office | Ferrell's Role | Tone Match? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strays (2023) | 64% | TBD | Voice (lead) | Raunchy/Satirical |
| Step Brothers (2008) | 55% | $128M | Live-action lead | Absurdist |
| The Other Guys (2010) | 79% | $170M | Live-action lead | Buddy Comedy |
| Eurovision (2020) | 63% | Streaming | Live-action lead | Musical Comedy |
Notice something? His voice roles often score higher than live-action lately. Maybe animated Ferrell ages better? Strays sits right in his average critical zone – not groundbreaking, not disastrous.
What worries me? The "one crazy concept" fatigue. Holmes & Watson tried it and bombed hard. But early test screenings scored way higher than that disaster.
Box Office Predictions
Analysts project $25-35M opening weekend. Why? Late summer slot has less competition. Plus, the R-rated comedy drought works in its favor. Remember Good Boys? That opened to $21M with similar vibes.
? Smart money says: If you hate crowds, wait for weekend #2. Pre-sales suggest Fridays will be packed but Saturday matinees lighter.
Behind the Scenes Secrets
Digging into how this Will Ferrell new movie got made reveals surprises:
- Unplanned casting: Ferrell wasn't first choice! Original lead dropped out over "creative differences" (translation: wanted less poop humor).
- Improv heavy: Directors encouraged riffing. About 40% of dialogue was ad-libbed. Foxx apparently cracked Ferrell up so much they had to re-record lines.
- Real dogs? Nope. All CGI except background animals. They mocapped rescue dogs for movement though – cute fact.
- Budget: $46M – mostly for that photo-real CGI. Cheaper than CATS thankfully.
Funny story from set leaks: Ferrell recorded most lines alone but insisted on one session with Foxx in-person. "Need that energy," he told producers. Smart call – their scenes crackle.
Should YOU Watch This Will Ferrell Movie?
Let's break it down simply:
| You'll PROBABLY Love It If... | You Might REGRET It If... |
|---|---|
| • Raunchy comedies like Ted/Deadpool are your jam | • You want Ferrell's physical comedy |
| • You appreciate dark humor about pets | • Poop/pee jokes annoy you quickly |
| • Voice acting performances excite you | • You hoped for plot complexity |
| • Need escapist, stupid fun | • Bringing kids (seriously, it's R-rated!) |
For me? Worth a theater trip with friends but maybe not a date night. My wife walked out muttering "Why did the terrier sound exactly like Ron Burgundy?" Can't unhear that now.
FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered
Q: Is this Will Ferrell's new movie appropriate for kids?
A: Absolutely not. The R rating is legit – constant swearing, sexual humor, and drug references. Leave the puppies home.
Q: How long is the new Will Ferrell movie?
A: 93 minutes including credits. Tight runtime helps the pacing.
Q: Will it stream soon?
A: Peacock gets it around Thanksgiving 2023. No other platforms confirmed.
Q: Does Ferrell appear on-screen?
A: Voice only. Don't expect a cameo.
Q: Is there a post-credits scene?
A: Yes! One mid-credits gag involving a squirrel. Stay for 60 seconds.
Q: What’s the next Will Ferrell movie after this?
A: Despicable Me 4 (voice) in 2024, and live-action comedy Museum filming now.
The Final Bark
So... is this Will Ferrell new movie worth your cash? If you go in wanting stupid laughs with creative swearing? Absolutely. It delivers exactly what the trailer promises – nothing more, nothing less.
But if you're craving Anchorman-level wit or emotional depth? Nah. This ain't that. It's a ridiculous romp with surprisingly good CGI and Ferrell leaning into wholesome-dog-gone-bad energy.
? Final thought: Saw it twice – once alone, once with friends. Huge difference. This movie needs crowd energy. Grab your most immature pals, sneak in some beer (I didn't say that), and lean into the nonsense. Just... maybe shower afterward.
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