Jane Goodall and Leonardo DiCaprio are partnering on a new feature film, “Howl” slated for a 2026 release.
While she’s known as the world’s foremost expert on chimpanzees having spent more than six decades studying the animals, famed primatologist and environmentalist Jane Goodall, 90, will tell you her favorite animals are actually dogs. So it’s perhaps no surprise that her first film-producing credit will go to the forthcoming feature “Howl” coming from Promethean Pictures, the new label formed by Richard Johns of Argo Films and “Howl” director E. Elias Merhige.
The script was written by Christopher Monger, and tells the story of Harry, a family dog, navigating the challenges of survival after being left home alone amidst a harsh winter following his owners’ tragic death. Along his journey, Harry encounters a young wolf, and together they forge an unlikely bond.
Producing alongside Goodall and DiCaprio, Pierre-Marcel Blanchot and Fabrice Lambot of Phase 4 will co-produce in association with Léo Maidenberg from Place du Marché. Executive producers include Appian Way Productions’ Jennifer Davisson and Michael Hampton. “Along with our good friend Jane Goodall, we were thrilled to board such a project as ‘Howl’ that will stimulate such curiosity and enjoyment from all ages around the world,” Davisson said in a statement. “We hope this film encourages people to understand and appreciate the inextricable relationship between us humans and the natural wildlife that surrounds us.”
Johns said the involvement of Goodall and DiCaprio elevates the movie’s reach. “Their mutual love of wolves as a symbol of the wild and their authentic passion and commitment to telling inspiring and powerful stories about nature, the environment, and sustainability will help elevate our film and ensure it gets to be seen by the widest possible audience,” he said.
Goodall has spent the last several decades advocating for conservation efforts and environmental action. She was the subject of the 2017 National Geographic documentary, “Jane.” DiCaprio is known for his environmental advocacy off-screen with efforts like his Re:wild conservation-focused nonprofit and on-screen with films like the 2021 Netflix feature, “Don’t Look Up.”
“Howl will not only be an enjoyable and entertaining experience but will also help change perceptions of the ‘big bad wolf,’ which has been hunted to extinction in many areas of the world and is threatened and endangered in many others,” Goodall said. “I hope we can make people understand their need to live alongside us and show these sacred creatures for what they are.”
“Howl’s” release is expected for early 2026.
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