Remarkably Bright Creatures will debut May 8, 2026, with Netflix releasing the teaser trailer and first-look photos for the upcoming adaptation of Shelby Van Pelt’s bestselling novel.
The film is directed by Olivia Newman, who also co-wrote the screenplay with John Whittington. The story is based on Van Pelt’s novel of the same name, which became widely known following its publication.
Netflix confirmed a cast led by Sally Field and Lewis Pullman, alongside Colm Meaney, Joan Chen, Kathy Baker, Beth Grant, and Sofia Black D’Elia.
The teaser trailer announcement also revealed that Alfred Molina voices Marcellus, the octopus, a central figure in the story.
Watch the Teaser Trailer
The Story of Remarkably Bright Creatures
Remarkably Bright Creatures follows a widow who works at a local aquarium.
Her routine changes when she forms an unexpected bond with a Giant Pacific octopus named Marcellus.
The story also introduces a young man who arrives in town searching for family. His presence becomes intertwined with the lives of the people connected to the aquarium.
The narrative unfolds through the relationships between these characters.
According to the official synopsis, the widow, the young man, and the octopus together uncover a mystery that ultimately leads to a discovery that reshapes their lives and restores a sense of wonder.
The film adapts the events and characters introduced in Shelby Van Pelt’s novel.
Cast of the Remarkably Bright Creatures Netflix Movie
Remarkably Bright Creatures features an ensemble cast of actors across film and television.
The confirmed cast includes:
- Sally Field
- Lewis Pullman
- Colm Meaney
- Joan Chen
- Kathy Baker
- Beth Grant
- Sofia Black D’Elia
Netflix also confirmed that Alfred Molina voices Marcellus the octopus, the Giant Pacific octopus who forms a connection with the widow at the center of the story.
Olivia Newman Directs the Adaptation
Remarkably Bright Creatures is directed by Olivia Newman, who also co-wrote the screenplay with John Whittington.
The film adapts the bestselling novel written by Shelby Van Pelt, whose book introduced the characters and story that form the foundation of the adaptation.
Production is led by Bryan Unkeless, Peter Craig, and David Levine.
Executive producers include:
- Shelby Van Pelt
- Erika Hampson
- Olivia Newman
- Alisa Tager
- Tony Lipp
- Alyssa Rodrigues
Key Details: Remarkably Bright Creatures
- Title: Remarkably Bright Creatures
- Release date: May 8, 2026
- Platform: Netflix
- Format: Feature film
- Director: Olivia Newman
- Screenplay: Olivia Newman and John Whittington
- Source material: Based on the novel by Shelby Van Pelt
- Producers: Bryan Unkeless, Peter Craig, David Levine
- Executive producers: Shelby Van Pelt, Erika Hampson, Olivia Newman, Alisa Tager, Tony Lipp, Alyssa Rodrigues
- Cast: Sally Field, Lewis Pullman, Colm Meaney, Joan Chen, Kathy Baker, Beth Grant, Sofia Black D’Elia
- Voice cast: Alfred Molina as Marcellus the octopus
- Premise: A widow working at an aquarium forms an unlikely bond with a Giant Pacific octopus while a young man arrives in town searching for family, leading the characters toward a shared mystery.