‘The Cackling of the Dodos’: Jason Bateman Netflix Movie Wraps Filming with Sam Rockwell & Woody Harrelson

Jason Bateman has officially wrapped filming on his latest directorial effort, the upcoming Netflix Original crime-comedy The Cackling of the Dodos. Starring Sam Rockwell and Woody Harrelson, the plot centers on a small-town farmer forced into a sloppy cover-up by his boss. Now that cameras have stopped rolling, here is our updated guide to everything we know about The Cackling of the Dodos on Netflix.

The Cackling of the Dodos is an upcoming Netflix Original crime comedy film directed by Jason Bateman, who has previously starred in Netflix’s Carry-On and Arrested Development, and has also directed episodes and played lead roles in Ozark and Black Rabbit. The film is written by novelist Rye Curtis (Kingdomtide).

What is the plot of The Cackling of the Dodos?

Netflix has provided an official synopsis for The Cackling of the Dodos:

“Dodos centers on small-town farmer George, who has a truly terrible day when he discovers a corpse chilling out in a grain bin and is unwittingly forced into a chaotic, sloppy cover-up by his boss, Denny.”

Who is in the cast of The Cackling of the Dodos?

When the film was first announced, we only knew of two major attachments: Sam Rockwell and Woody Harrelson, who previously worked together on the acclaimed film Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.

It has since been confirmed that Rockwell will be playing the farmer, George, while Harrelson takes on the role of his untrustworthy boss, Denny.
During a recent July 2026 episode of his SmartLess podcast, Bateman spoke highly of directing Rockwell. After a guest shared a story about a brilliant flash-memorization acting trick, Bateman playfully admitted he had to stay on his toes with his lead actor: “He’s a real crafty bugger. I’m gonna keep my knees bent”.

Joining the lead duo is a stellar supporting cast:

• Fred Hechinger (Kraven the Hunter, Gladiator II)
• Michael McKean (Better Call Saul, This Is Spinal Tap)
• Esther McGregor (Babygirl)
• Jenn Lyon (Justified, Claws)
• Emy Coligado (Malcolm in the Middle)
• Darrin Baker (The Man from Toronto) as Officer Hopkins
• Steve Routman (Killers of the Flower Moon) as Dr. Leishman
• Nigel J. Lysaght as Tim

Picture (L to R): Sam Rockwell in Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, Jojo Rabbit, and Moon

Picture (L to R): Woody Harrelson in Zombieland, The Hunger Games, and True Detective

What is the production status of The Cackling of the Dodos?

Filming officially got underway on June 1, 2026, and after six weeks of shooting, principal photography wrapped up on July 12, 2026.

The production set up camp entirely in New Jersey, filming across several communities in Union and Bergen counties. Primary locations included Upper Saddle River and Cranford, where Bateman and Rockwell were spotted filming sunny outdoor scenes at the Birchwood Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center. Bateman was also seen chatting and taking photos with local police officers while on set in Ringwood. The production was also spotted filming in Scotch Plains. 

There weren’t many snaps of the production throughout its time in NJ, but of the few we did get, we got to see Sam Rockwell and Michael McKean in action.

CRANFORD, NJ – JUNE 08: Atmosphere on the set of “Cackling of the Dodos” on June 8, 2026 in Cranford, New Jersey. (Photo by Bobby Bank/GC Images)

We can also confirm that two-time Oscar-nominated cinematographer Matthew Libatique (Black Swan, A Star Is Born) served as the Director of Photography. The film has officially transitioned into post-production.

When will The Cackling of the Dodos be released on Netflix?

Now that filming has successfully wrapped as of mid-July 2026, we have a much better idea of the release window. The movie is comfortably moving through post-production, making a premiere on Netflix sometime in 2027 highly likely.

Once Netflix confirms an exact release date or window, we will keep you updated.

Are you looking forward to watching The Cackling of the Dodos on Netflix? Let us know in the comments below!