Picture Credit: Netflix
While Ludo Studio is best known for the Emmy-nominated and BAFTA-winning animated series Bluey, they are now turning their attention to a live-action feature that promises to be just as poignant and relatable. Production on the film officially kicked off in July 2025 in Queensland, and it was highlighted as a key title in Netflix’s “What Next?” slate reveal in February 2026 for a release later this year. Here is everything we know so far about Allen.
Described as a “heartwarming tale of friendship and adventure,” Allen is set against the sun-drenched backdrop of a Queensland coastal town. The story explores the bond between two best friends who are reunited after decades apart.
The official logline provided by Netflix reads:
“Twenty years after Petey lost the best friend he ever had, Allen’s back…”
Netflix executives have described the film as an “unusual package” that deals with the transition from childhood to adulthood. Creator Daley Pearson (The Strange Chores, Content) shared his personal connection to the story when filming began:
“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. 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.”
Who is in the cast?
Pictures via the Actor’s Agencies
Leading the cast is T.J. Power (Eat Pray Love, The Sapphires), who plays the role of Petey.
Our understanding is that rounding out the cast are:
- Benedict Hardie (Upgrade) as Rory
- Charlotte NicDao (Mythic Quest) as Carly
- Chaydon Jay (Elvis) as Roy
- Kaipo Heke (The Bluff) as Nahuel
- Caitlin Niemotko as Young Carly
- Edward O’Sullivan as Young Petey
Further casting details, particularly regarding the character of “Allen,” are currently being kept under wraps.
Who is behind the movie?
Allen is a Ludo Studio production, bringing together the creative minds that made Bluey a household name.
- Created by: Daley Pearson
- Directors: Daley Pearson and Jeffrey Walker (The Artful Dodger, Apple Cider Vinegar)
- Writers: Daley Pearson and Sophie Miller (Thou Shalt Not Steal)
- Executive Producers: Daley Pearson, Charlie Aspinwall, and Sophie Miller
- Producers: Sam Moor (Ludo Studio) and Ross Allsop
- Co-Producer: Lauren Brown (Ludo Studio)
Production & Filming Locations
Principal photography for Allen began in July 2025. The production was based at Screen Queensland Studios in Brisbane, with location shooting taking place across the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast.
The film is proudly supported by the Queensland Government through Screen Queensland’s Production Attraction Strategy. At the start of production, Minister for the Arts John-Paul Langbroek highlighted the significance of the project:
“Ludo Studio is a Queensland entrepreneurial success story. The Crisafulli Government, through Screen Queensland, is thrilled to support their first locally made, live-action feature film… This Netflix production will share our state’s stories and showcase our beautiful Gold and Sunshine Coasts to the world.”
Creator Daley Pearson and Co-Director Jeffrey Walker
When will Allen be released?
Netflix has confirmed a 2026 release for Allen.
It joins a growing list of Australian content on the streamer, following in the footsteps of Boy Swallows Universe, Territory, and Apple Cider Vinegar, as well as upcoming titles like Son of a Donkey and the final season of Heartbreak High.
Will you be checking out Allen when it drops on Netflix? Let us know in the comments down below.
