Leo (2023 American film)
| Company type | Production company |
|---|---|
| Industry | Film production |
| Founder | Adam Sandler |
Leo is a 2023 American animated musical comedy film co-directed by Robert Marianetti, Robert Smigel, and David Wachtenheim, marking the feature debut for Marianetti and Wachtenheim. The screenplay was crafted by Smigel, Adam Sandler, and Paul Sado, with production led by Sandler alongside Mireille Soria. This project represents the second animated feature from Sandler’s Happy Madison Productions, arriving 21 years after their initial release, Eight Crazy Nights (2002). The voice cast includes Adam Sandler as the titular Leo, Bill Burr, Cecily Strong, and Jason Alexander in principal roles, supported by Sadie Sandler, Sunny Sandler, Rob Schneider, Jo Koy, Allison Strong, Jackie Sandler, Heidi Gardner, Robert Smigel, and Nick Swardson. The narrative centers on Leo, a tuatara who becomes anxious about aging as he nears his seventies; through an assignment by a substitute teacher, various students take him home and receive his life guidance.
The film debuted on Netflix on November 21, 2023, garnering generally favorable critiques that highlighted its animation quality, voice acting performances, and musical sequences.
Plot
In a fifth-grade classroom located in Fort Myers, Florida, Leo the tuatara shares his environment with Squirtle, a Florida box turtle. When their pregnant teacher Mrs. Salinas begins maternity leave, a strict substitute named Virginia Malkin takes over but quickly falls out of favor with the students. Upon overhearing that tuataras typically live around 75 years and realizing he is already 74 with unachieved dreams of visiting the Everglades, Leo grows concerned about his future.
Each weekend different children bring Leo to their homes. During these visits, Leo reveals his ability to communicate to Summer and provides her with advice on enhancing her social interactions and popularity. Other students—Eli, Jayda, two boys both named Cole, Skyler, Logan, Mia, Kabir, TJ, Zane, and Anthony—share personal struggles with Leo; he offers them guidance that positively impacts their lives. He requests that they keep his talking ability confidential among themselves.
Squirtle grows envious of the attention Leo receives and exposes his secret to the class. Feeling betrayed by this revelation, the students distance themselves from Leo. Ms. Malkin discovers Leo's gift for speech and decides to take him home. Through this interaction, Leo learns that Ms. Malkin’s stern demeanor stems from her own disappointment at never becoming a full-time teacher; he attempts to offer her support.
The class wins the history fair through reenactments and earns a trip to Magic Land Park as a reward. However, Ms. Malkin leaves Leo behind in the Everglades to claim sole credit for their achievement. When the children try to make amends with Leo, Ms. Malkin falsely claims he abandoned them.
Squirtle uses a drone to track down the group and reveals Ms. Malkin’s deceit. Together with the students and Ms. Malkin herself commandeering the bus to rescue Leo from the Everglades. There, wild tuataras inform Leo that their lifespan can exceed 110 years—a revelation that rejuvenates him. He faces danger from alligators but is saved by Ms. Malkin and the children.
As the school year concludes, Leo encourages his classmates to support one another as they transition into middle school. Principal Spahn appoints Ms. Malkin as a full-time kindergarten teacher while retaining Leo and Squirtle as classroom pets.
Voice cast
- Adam Sandler voices Leo, a 74-year-old tuatara who serves as the fifth-grade class pet; his name is inspired by Leonardo from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Sandler modeled Leo’s voice after his former agent Bernie Brillstein.
- Bill Burr provides the voice for Squirtle, a Florida box turtle who is Leo’s companion; named after the Pokémon character.
- Cecily Strong portrays Ms. Malkin, the firm substitute teacher for fifth grade at Fort Myers Elementary School.
- Jason Alexander plays Jayda's father, a wealthy dermatologist with significant influence.
- Rob Schneider acts as the Principal of Fort Myers Elementary School.
- Allison Strong voices Mrs. Salinas, the regular fifth-grade teacher currently on maternity leave.
- Jo Koy is Coach Kimura, the gym instructor at Fort Myers Elementary.
- Sadie Sandler voices Jayda, a popular student.
- Sunny Sandler plays Summer, an outgoing student.
- Coulter Ibanez is Zane, a student often seen snacking on Cheetos.
- Bryant Tardy and Corey J. share voicing duties for Cole.
- Ethan Smigel voices Anthony, characterized as a class bully.
- Tienya Safko portrays Skyler from Jayda's friend group.
- Gloria Manning voices Logan within Jayda's circle.
- Carson Minniear plays Cole #2.
- Roey Smigel provides voices for Eli—an overprotected student—and Benji, Jayda's younger brother.
- Reese Lores portrays Mia who is passionate about science and comes from divorced parents.
- Benjamin Bottani voices Kabir, a newcomer transferring from New York City.
- Aldan Liam Philipson plays TJ who is noted for developing his first back hair.
- Jackie Sandler is cast as Jayda’s mother.
- Heidi Gardner voices Eli's mother.
- Robert Smigel lends his voice to several characters including a drone monitoring Eli’s activities; a miniature horse released at Jayda’s party; and two elderly lizards.
- Nick Swardson voices Cinnabun—a Cinnamon rabbit in second grade whose name changes annually.
- Stephanie Hsu and Ryun Yu voice Skyler’s parents.
Production
In May 2016, Adam Sandler revealed his intention to produce, write, and lead an animated feature under the banner of Happy Madison Productions, with STX Entertainment initially involved. The animation for Leo was eventually completed by Netflix Animation in collaboration with Animal Logic. The musical score was created by Geoff Zanelli.
Release
Leo had its debut screening at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival on June 14, 2023, followed by its release on Netflix on November 21, 2023.
Accolades
| Award | Ceremony Date | Category | Nominees | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annie Awards | February 17, 2024 | Outstanding Achievement for Editorial | Patrick Voetberg, Joseph Titone, Darrian M. James, Danny Miller, Brian Robinson | Template:Nom |
| Chicago Film Critics Association Awards | December 12, 2023 | Best Animated Film | Leo | Template:Nom |
| Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards | July 13, 2024 | Favorite Male Voice From An Animated Movie | Adam Sandler | Template:Won |