I, Object (2026) Could Be One of the Year’s Most Unique Family Movies

The live-action animated film stars Karl Urban and Anna Faris.

Some movies tell stories about extraordinary heroes. I, Object takes a very different approach, finding magic, comfort, and healing in the everyday things we often overlook.

The first trailer for I, Object has arrived, offering a heartfelt look at an imaginative family adventure from writer-director Andrew Niccol. Blending live-action storytelling with animation, the film follows a young boy whose life is transformed after he begins communicating with the objects around him.

At the center of the story is Tom, a 10-year-old struggling to cope with the loss of his father. Feeling disconnected from the people in his life and unable to express his grief, Tom finds comfort in an unexpected place: everyday household objects. In his imagination, these objects reveal their true identities, speak to him, and help guide him through one of the most difficult periods of his life.

The trailer introduces a world where ordinary items become trusted companions, offering advice, encouragement, and emotional support as Tom navigates loss and healing. While the premise may sound whimsical, the footage suggests a surprisingly emotional story about grief, family, and resilience.

The cast includes Karl Urban, Jemaine Clement, Anna Faris, Bentley Storteboom, and Skywalker Hughes. The project marks another ambitious effort from Andrew Niccol, whose previous work has often explored unusual concepts through deeply human stories.

What makes I, Object stand out is its combination of fantasy and emotional realism. Rather than focusing on grand adventures or larger-than-life action, the film appears more interested in exploring how children process grief and how imagination can become a powerful tool for healing.

With family films increasingly embracing deeper emotional themes, I, Object could emerge as one of 2026’s most touching and unexpected releases.

Who’s in the cast of I, Object?

The cast of I, Object includes a mix of acclaimed actors, comedy favorites, and rising young talent as Andrew Niccol’s live-action animated family film brings an imaginative story to life.

Bentley Storteboom stars as the young boy at the center of the story, a 10-year-old struggling with the loss of his father who begins finding comfort and connection through the everyday objects around him.

Karl Urban (The Boys, Star Trek) joins the cast in a key role, bringing another major name to the heartfelt family adventure.

Jemaine Clement (What We Do in the Shadows, Flight of the Conchords), known for his unique comedic style, also stars in the film.

Anna Faris (Scary Movie, Mom) appears alongside the ensemble cast, adding her trademark humor and charm to the project.

Skywalker Hughes, one of New Zealand’s rising young performers, rounds out the main cast.

Written, produced, and directed by Andrew Niccol (Gattaca, In Time), I, Object combines live-action storytelling and animation to explore grief, imagination, and the unexpected friendships that can help us heal.

A lonely boy, talking household objects, and an emotional journey through grief come together in , the upcoming family fantasy film from filmmaker Andrew Niccol.

Blending live-action and animation, the movie follows a young boy who begins imagining conversations with everyday objects after the loss of his father. The unusual premise promises a heartfelt story about loss, healing, and finding connection in unexpected places.

With a talented cast and a concept unlike anything else arriving in theaters, I, Object is already attracting attention as one of the most unique family films currently in development.

When Does I, Object Release?

An official release date for I, Object has not been announced yet.

The film is currently in production as a New Zealand-Canadian co-production.

A young boy sits alone in his bedroom while everyday objects around him seem to come to life through his imagination.

What Is I, Object About?

The story follows a 10-year-old boy struggling to connect with the people around him after the death of his father.

As he deals with grief and loneliness, he becomes fascinated with ordinary objects and begins imagining conversations with them. Through these unusual friendships, he starts finding comfort, guidance, and a new way to navigate the world around him.

The film appears to combine heartfelt family drama with whimsical fantasy and animated storytelling.

A lamp, clock, and other household objects seem to gather around a child as he imagines them speaking to him.

Who Stars in I, Object?

The cast includes Karl Urban, Jemaine Clement, Anna Faris, Bentley Storteboom, and Skywalker Hughes.

The film brings together a mix of established stars and young talent to tell its emotional coming-of-age story.

Who Directed I, Object?

The film is written, produced, and directed by Andrew Niccol.

Niccol is known for thought-provoking films that blend emotional storytelling with imaginative concepts, making him a natural fit for a project as unique as I, Object.

A child walks through a quiet house while ordinary objects appear to watch over him.

Is I, Object a Live-Action Animated Movie?

Yes. I, Object is described as a live-action animated film, combining live-action performances with animated elements.

The movie’s central concept of a young boy imagining conversations with everyday objects is expected to play a major role in bringing the film’s animated world to life.

With its emotional story, imaginative premise, and blend of live-action and animation, I, Object looks like it could become one of the most heartfelt family films in the coming years.