Ryan Reynolds developing I Eat Poop animated movie with Paramount Animation, marking another bold project for the actor and producer, as revealed by Deadline. The movie will adapt the children’s book
“I Eat Poop: A Dung Beetle Story,”
with Reynolds working alongside director Josh Cooley and EGOT-winning producers Benj Pasek and Justin Paul.
Creative Team Assembles for the Unconventional Story
Josh Cooley, best known for directing Toy Story 4, is negotiating to direct the film, while Reynolds is producing through his company Maximum Effort. Pasek and Paul, who have won Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony awards for music in acclaimed productions like Dear Evan Hansen and La La Land, are producing through Ampersand. Brad Butler is overseeing development for Paramount Animation, ensuring the adaptation remains true to its quirky origins.
Source Material Explores Unusual Themes
The film is based on Mark Pett’s 2021 picture book, published by Roaring Brook Press. The story follows Dougie, a dung beetle with a taste that sets him apart—he loves eating poop, much to the disgust of his schoolmates. As mysterious disappearances happen in town, Dougie and the community learn to embrace their differences, highlighting themes of acceptance and individuality.
Acclaimed Author at the Helm of the Original Tale
Mark Pett, the author and illustrator behind the original book, has also written and illustrated titles such as I’m Not Millie!, The Boy and the Airplane, and The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes. His works have sold over half a million copies, bringing stories of unusual characters to young readers and families.
Looking Ahead to Animated Adaptation
Development of
“I Eat Poop: A Dung Beetle Story”
signals Paramount Animation’s willingness to back offbeat concepts, with experienced talent like Reynolds, Cooley, Pasek, and Paul leading the charge. As updates emerge, many will be watching to see how this creative team brings a unique children’s book—and its message of self-acceptance—to animated life.
