The “remarkable” new dramedy The Penguin Lessons stars Oscar-nominee Steve Coogan, and the charming new film is turning penguins into Hollywood stars. The film follows an English school teacher who befriends a lone penguin, before adopting him into his life at the boarding school where he works. While Steve Coogan is the big name on the bill, it's his penguin co-star who truly steals the show.
Here's everything we know about the film so far, including how GH members can catch an advance screening...
What is The Penguin Lessons about?
The Penguin Lessons is the heart-warming and eccentric tale of a unique pair of friends - a teacher and a penguin. Englishman Tom Michell is working at a boarding school in Argentina when he discovers a stranded penguin who has survived an oil slick.
Unable to shake off the penguin who appears to have formed a bond with him, Tom's life takes an interesting and unexpected turn as he finds himself smuggling his new friend back to the boarding school he works at.
Directed by Peter Cattaneo and written by Jeff Pope, the film charts the remarkable adventures and impact the penguin has all those he encounters - Tom included. It's a warm and witty feel-good flick, with a lot of heart.
Is The Penguin Lessons based on a true story?
The dramedy is based on a memoir of the same name by author Tom Michell, who moved as a young man from rural Sussex to Argentina in the 1970s, for a job at a school there. During a trip to Uruguay, Tom discovers hundreds of penguins who have been killed in an oil slink. Amazingly, he spots one who has survived, covered in tar, and attempts to clean him up.
However, when Tom tries to send the rescued penguin back into the sea, the penguin won't leave him alone. And so begins the adventure of smuggling his new friend back across the border to Argentina to win the hearts of pupils and teachers alike.
Who's starring in The Penguin Lessons?
The new film stars Steve Coogan in the lead role alongside a brilliant cast which includes a Slow Horses star and some exciting newcomers:
- Jonathan Pryce (Slow Horses)
- Micaela Breque (The Mallorca Files)
- Björn Gustafsson (Becoming Astrid)
- Vivian El Jaber (Guapas)
- Aimar Miranda (Nacho)
- Florencia Nocetti (Money Heist)
- Hugo Fuertes (Bose)
- Romina Cocca (My Oxford Year)
- Miguel Alejandro Serrano (CCCC Stories)
- Gera Maleh (The Queen of Fear)
- Ramiro Blas (Peacemaker)
- Alfonsina Carrocio (Society of the Snow)
- Juan M. Barreiro (Holy Family)
- Tomás Pozzi (The Three Wise Kings vs. Santa)
- David Herrero
- Nicanor Fernandez
- Joaquín Lopez
When is The Penguin Lessons in cinemas?
The Penguin Lessons will be available in cinemas across the UK from 18th April 2025 unless you are a GH member, in which case you can watch a special early screening on 24th March in selected cinemas.
How can I watch The Penguin Lessons?
The Penguin Lessons will be widely available in cinemas across the UK from its general release date, and in chosen cinemas for GH members from 24th March.
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