Animal Crackers

Behind the Scenes of Animal Crackers (2018): A Star-Studded Animated Adventure

The 2018 animated film Animal Crackers brought together an all-star voice cast and a trio of directors for a whimsical, family-friendly adventure. latestnetflix.com's take is that while the movie’s release was overshadowed by delays and distribution shifts, its behind-the-scenes story reveals a passion project years in the making—with Hollywood heavyweights lending their talents to a quirky, colorful world.

A Dream Team of Directors

Animal Crackers was helmed by three directors: Jaime Maestro, Scott Christian Sava, and Tony Bancroft. Bancroft, known for co-directing Disney’s Mulan (1998), brought decades of animation experience to the project, while Sava—a comic book artist and animator—spearheaded the film’s original graphic novel roots. Maestro, a Spanish animator, rounded out the team with his expertise in 3D storytelling. Their collaboration aimed to blend classic animation charm with modern humor, though the film’s production journey was anything but smooth.

The directors’ vision was clear: a love letter to circus-themed adventures, packed with slapstick comedy and heart. In interviews, Sava and Bancroft emphasized the film’s handcrafted feel, despite its CGI animation. "We wanted it to feel like a living, breathing circus," Bancroft said in a co-director interview . The trio’s shared enthusiasm for the project helped navigate the challenges of an independent animated feature, though the road to release was rocky.

A-List Voices, But a Bumpy Rollout

The film boasted an impressive voice cast, including Emily Blunt, John Krasinski, Danny DeVito, Ian McKellen, and Sylvester Stallone. Blunt and Krasinski, real-life spouses, played the lead roles of Zoe and Owen Huntington, a couple who inherit a magical circus. Their chemistry was a selling point, with trailers highlighting their comedic timing . DeVito, Stallone, and McKellen lent their iconic voices to supporting characters, adding star power to the film’s ensemble.

Despite the talent involved, Animal Crackers faced distribution hurdles. Initially slated for a 2017 release , the film was delayed multiple times, eventually premiering at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in 2017 before securing a Netflix release in 2020 . The delays sparked rumors of financial struggles, though the directors remained tight-lipped about specifics. In the co-director interview, Sava and Bancroft acknowledged the challenges of independent animation but focused on the creative process rather than the setbacks .

Mixed Reception and Legacy

When Animal Crackers finally debuted, critics and audiences were divided. Some praised its vibrant animation and nostalgic circus theme, while others found the humor uneven. The film holds a modest 4.9/10 rating on SensCritique, based on 188 votes . Reviews noted the star-studded cast’s efforts, but the story’s simplicity left some viewers wanting more.

The film’s soundtrack, composed by Bear McCreary, also garnered attention, with the original score released in 2019 . While not a commercial blockbuster, Animal Crackers remains a curiosity—a passion project that brought together Hollywood’s biggest names for a lighthearted, if flawed, adventure.

The Takeaway

Animal Crackers (2018) may not have been a runaway hit, but its behind-the-scenes story is a testament to the persistence of its creators. With a stacked cast, a trio of directors, and a clear love for the material, the film stands as a quirky footnote in the careers of its stars. Whether it’s remembered for its charm or its chaos, one thing is certain: it was a labor of love.