"The Penguin Lessons" Trailer: Steve Coogan Befriends a Rescued Penguin in Heartwarming True Story Directed By The Full Monty’s Peter Cattaneo
Directed by The Full Monty’s Peter Cattaneo, this feel-good dramedy follows an English professor’s unexpected bond with a rescued penguin.
Legendary 1940s Hollywood comedian W.C. Fields famously advised, "Never work with animals or children." We imagine his reasoning boiled down to two things: (A) they’re notoriously difficult to work with, and (B) no matter how good your acting is, they’ll always steal the scene. So, just imagine what W.C. Fields would say about Steve Coogan’s latest film, The Penguin Lessons. He probably would’ve blown his top.
In this feel-good dramedy, inspired by a true story, Coogan plays an uptight English professor sent to Argentina in 1976 to teach a class of young Argentine students. While on a school break at the beach, he rescues an adorable little penguin from an oil slick—mostly to impress a local woman. Little does he know, however, that the penguin will become completely attached to him, despite his numerous attempts to get rid of it. Now, forced into the role of unlikely guardian, the professor decides to turn the penguin into his class mascot, hoping it will motivate and inspire his students to learn English.
W.C. Fields would have hated it. But surprisingly, it might just be the heartwarming tale we need right now.
Here’s the official synopsis:
Inspired by the true story of a disillusioned Englishman who went to work in a school in Argentina in 1976. Expecting an easy ride, Tom discovers a divided nation and a class of unteachable students. However, after he rescues a penguin from an oil-slicked beach, his life is turned upside down.
British filmmaker Peter Cattaneo directs the upcoming film.
Cattaneo is something of a master of feel-good fare, having previously directed the classic 1997 working-class male stripper comedy The Full Monty. He’s also known for helming the 2008 Rainn Wilson-led slacker drummer comedy The Rocker, which featured a young Emma Stone and Josh Gad. Though The Rocker was a box-office flop during its initial theatrical run, it has since gained a cult following over the years. And honestly? The Rocker is actually pretty fun, if you ask us.
Cattaneo's last film was the 2019 British dramedy Military Wives, about a group of women who form a choir while their military husbands are off at war in Afghanistan. That film was also inspired by a true story.
The Penguin Lessons is based on the best-selling memoir of the same name by Tom Michell, with Philomena co-scribe Jeff Pope penning the adapted screenplay.
The cast also includes Jonathan Pryce, Vivian El Jaber, Björn Gustafsson, and Alfonsina Carrocio.
Acquired by Sony Pictures Classics, The Penguin Lessons will be making its way to U.S. theaters on March 28.
Here’s the official international trailer:
