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Steve Coogan's 'The Penguin Lessons' Debuts in UK Cinemas

The heartwarming drama-comedy, based on a true story, explores an unlikely bond between a man and a penguin against the backdrop of Argentina's 1976 dictatorship.

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Steve Coogan crouches above a small penguin, pointing instructively, looking annoyed

Overview

  • The Penguin Lessons, starring Steve Coogan and a live Magellanic penguin, premiered in the UK and Ireland on April 18, 2025, after its US release on March 28.
  • The film, directed by Peter Cattaneo and written by Jeff Pope, adapts Tom Michell's memoir about his unique connection with a rescued penguin during Argentina's military coup.
  • Coogan praised the calming atmosphere created on set by working with live penguins, while co-star Jonathan Pryce humorously revealed he avoided physical contact with the animal.
  • Cattaneo chose real penguins over CGI to capture spontaneous, organic moments, enhancing the authenticity of the film’s emotional tone.
  • Set against the political turmoil of Argentina’s Dirty War, the film balances lighthearted animal interactions with a deeper exploration of human resilience and moral awakening.