Murder Drones (film)

Murder Drones is a 2024 live-action/animated science-fiction action film loosely based on the series of the same name. It was directed by David Leitch and produced by Gabe Frost, Kevin and Luke Lerdwichagul, with a screenplay by Liam Vickers. It stars Elsie Lovelock and Michael Kovach who reprise their roles as Uzi and N respectively, along with newcomers Keanu Reeves, Ryan Reynolds, and Emma Watson, who star in live-action roles.

Synopsis
When interstellar and technology company JCJenson (IN SPAAAAACEE!!!!) announces the termination of their Worker Drones through the deployal of Dissassembly Drones, one of them falls into a romantic relationship with one of the Workers in Anchorage, Alaksa, prompting attempts by JCJenson and the Dissassembly Drones to break them apart.

Live-action roles

 * Keanu Reeves
 * Ryan Reynolds
 * Emma Watson
 * Michael Cera

Voice roles

 * Elsie Lovelock
 * Michael Kovach
 * Nola Klop
 * Shara Kirby
 * David Dixon
 * Sean Chiplock
 * Emma Breezy

Development
Following the release of the pilot in October 2021, a film based on the Murder Drones series was considered when creator Liam Vickers showed the project to Glitch Productions founders Kevin and Luke Lerdwichagul, who eventually found it "amazing and appealing." The film was originally going to be fully computer-animated until a decision was made to add live-action to it, as it might add a "new touch" to the series, as well as being somewhat "suitable" for the current world. Later discussions were made between Glitch and Sony Pictures Entertainment to produce a full-length feature film based on Murder Drones. In August 2022, when asked about if a film was in development, Vickers stated: "Please wait..." This prompted many viewers of the show to speculate that there was a possibility of a feature film adaptation.

In November 2022, it was announced that a live-action/animated film based on the series was being produced with Columbia Pictures, with a slated release date of late 2024. The film's story would be completely different and would be more of a "romantic action" film. A budget of around $90 million to $120 million was funded by Screen Australia to haul the project. Director David Leitch was announced to direct the film, while Gabe Frost would produce the film under his banner New Eden Pictures.

Pre-production
Due to the film going out of the series' base, creativity was said to have taken "ages" to think about. Locations and filming techniques were also hard to conquer, as the series originally took place in a winter wasteland. Leitch also said that any actions scenes in the film had to be pre-visualized and made to figure out how the film would play out.

The cast of the series were confirmed to reprise their roles respectively, while newcomer Keanu Reeves was announced in an undisclosed role. Ryan Reynolds and Emma Watson were also said to have joined in said roles.

Filming
Principal photography began in March 2023 under the working title Roboto & Julio, a play on William Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet. The film was shot in Anchorage, Alaska, where some of the film took place. Principal photography wrapped in June 2023 in San Francisco, California.

Post-production
The animation itself was provided by Glitch Productions, who also produces the series, while visual effects were produced by Sony Pictures Imageworks, Industrial Light & Magic, and Cinesite.

Marketing
A teaser trailer of the film was revealed at San Diego Comic-Con 2023, which showed a snowy background with Uzi looking away from the camera. The same day, a teaser poster was also revealed online.

From September until December 2024, a website of JCJenson, the antagonistic faction of the series and film, was created by Sony. The website included information about Worker and Disassembly Drones, while it also showed biographies of the company's key people, including the CEO of JCJenson.

Theatrical
Murder Drones held its world premiere in Sydney, Australia on November 7, 2024, where Glitch is located. It was released theatrically first in Australia on December 4, and then released in other international markets on December 5 before its initial release in the United States on December 6.

Home media
Murder Drones was released for digital download by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment on February 11, 2025 before it was released on Ultra HD Blu-Ray, Blu-Ray, and DVD formats on March 18, 2025.

Critical reception
On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has an approval rating of 84% based on 304 reviews, with an average rating of 7.44/10. The site's critical consensus reads: "System error: Murder Drones captures the perfect combination between romance, sci-fi, and action." On Metacritic, the film has a score of 75 out of 100 based on 48 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews." Audiences polled on CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "A" on an A+ to F scale, while PostTrak reported around 82% filmgoers giving it a positive review, with 67% giving it a "definite recommend."