Netflix announced this week that Oscar winners Woody Harrelson and Sam Rockwell will star in the original crime thriller "The Cackling of the Dodos," directed by Jason Bateman. The film marks the first collaboration between Harrelson and Rockwell since their acclaimed work in 2017’s "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri." The project, based on an original screenplay by novelist Rye Curtis, is currently in development with no official release date set.
Oscar-Winning Duo Reunites After Nine Years
Sam Rockwell and Woody Harrelson last shared the screen in Martin McDonagh’s "Three Billboards," for which Rockwell won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Their reunion under the direction of Bateman, known for Netflix’s "Ozark" and the film "Black Rabbit," signals a major talent assembly for the streamer’s film slate, aiming to capture the pair’s proven dark comedy chemistry.
Dark Comedy Thriller Centers on Farmer’s Grisly Discovery
The film follows a small-town farmer named George who discovers a corpse in his grain bin, prompting a chaotic and unwilling involvement in a cover-up orchestrated by his boss, Denny. Described as a dark comedy mystery, the plot leverages Bateman’s expertise in narratives about ordinary people under extreme pressure, a hallmark of his hit series "Ozark."
Conclusion
The project strengthens Netflix’s portfolio of prestige, actor-driven films and continues Jason Bateman’s successful creative partnership with the platform. While a specific premiere date is not yet confirmed, production is expected to move forward, with a potential release window in late 2026 or early 2027.
