Netflix drops first trailer for Aussie film, Allen

Netflix has today dropped the official trailer for Allen, the upcoming Aussie family movie from Brisbane-based Ludo Studio - the producers of Bluey.

The live-action feature follows Petey, a Queensland man whose childhood best friend was an alien named Allen, who mysteriously disappeared without saying goodbye. 

Twenty years later, Allen unexpectedly returns, bringing with him a secret that could change the world. But as the pair reunite, Petey must confront his past and finally grow up if he’s going to help save it.

The film stars T.J. Power as Petey, alongside Charlotte Nicdao, Josh Helman, Emily Barclay, Benedict Hardie, Kaipo Heke, Chaydon Jay and Danny Kim. Edward A. O’Sullivan also features as a younger version of Petey.

Created by Daley Pearson, whose previous credits include Talk to Me and The Strange Chores, Allen marks Ludo Studio’s first locally produced live-action feature film. 

Pearson co-directs alongside Jeffrey Walker (Apple Cider Vinegar, The Artful Dodger”), with the screenplay co-written by him and Sophie Miller (Thou Shalt Not Steal).

Production took place across Brisbane and the Gold Coast, with the Queensland coastal setting drawing inspiration from Pearson’s own upbringing.

“Allen is really a story about love, family and all those big and small moments from childhood that end up shaping who we are when we grow up,” Pearson said when production was first announced. 

“Getting the opportunity to make this story in this part of the world – in the town where I grew up in, inspired by the friends and family I grew up with – is a dream. We’re creating Allen for families to watch together.”

The project represents another step into live-action storytelling for Ludo Studio, the Emmy and BAFTA-winning production company best known for the global success of animated children’s series Bluey. 

Pearson and Charlie Aspinwall executive produce for Ludo Studio alongside Miller, with Sam Moor and Ross Allsop serving as producers and Lauren Brown as co-producer. The production received support from the Queensland Government through Screen Queensland’s Production Attraction Strategy and Post, Digital and Visual Effects Incentive.

Allen premieres globally on Netflix on November 12th.

This story was first published by Variety.