How a cancelled theatrical release became a global animated adventure

Entertainment · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: The 2018 animated film Duck Duck Goose faced a turbulent journey to the screen. Originally slated for a North American theatrical debut, the project was pulled from schedules following the collapse of its distributor, eventually finding a new home as a Netflix original release for global audiences.

Directed by Chris Jenkins, who also penned the original story, Duck Duck Goose is an international co-production involving the United States, China, and the United Kingdom. The narrative follows Peng, a narcissistic swan goose who becomes separated from his flock during migration. After a reckless stunt leaves him with a broken wing, he reluctantly teams up with two ducklings, Chi and Chao, to navigate the dangers of the Chinese wilderness, including a sinister Pallas’s cat named Banzou.

The film’s production path was notably complex. It premiered in China on March 9, 2018, where it grossed over $5.8 million by the end of April. While Open Road Films had originally secured the rights for a North American theatrical release on April 20, 2018, the company’s closure forced a change in strategy. The film was subsequently removed from the theatrical schedule and transitioned to a Netflix release on July 20, 2018. Critics were largely unimpressed, with the film receiving negative reviews upon its digital debut.

Despite the distribution hurdles, the film features a notable voice cast, including Jim Gaffigan as the protagonist Peng, Zendaya as Chi, and Carl Reiner. The story explores themes of responsibility and unlikely bonds, as Peng evolves from a self-absorbed goose into a protective figure for the ducklings. By the time the film concluded its theatrical run in other territories, it had accumulated a worldwide gross that was later adjusted to over $19.6 million by 2019. It remains a curious case study in how corporate instability can fundamentally alter the lifecycle of an animated feature.

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