One of the world’s most beloved children’s books is preparing to make the journey from page to the big screen.
Studiocanal has officially announced a brand-new animated feature adaptation of Marcus Pfister’s timeless classic The Rainbow Fish, bringing the internationally beloved story of friendship, kindness and discovering what truly matters to a whole new generation of families.
Since first arriving on bookshelves in 1992, The Rainbow Fish has become a treasured part of childhood for millions of readers around the world. With more than 30 million copies sold, the beautifully illustrated story has remained a favorite in classrooms, libraries and bedtime story collections for more than three decades.
The upcoming feature follows the familiar tale of the dazzling Rainbow Fish, whose shimmering scales make him the most beautiful fish in the ocean. While his pride leaves him feeling isolated from the other sea creatures, an unexpected adventure alongside Little Blue Fish helps him discover the true value of friendship, courage and sharing life’s journeys with others.
Rather than simply retelling the beloved picture book, the filmmakers are expanding the story into a feature-length adventure with new characters and deeper exploration of its heartfelt themes while remaining true to the spirit that has made the original book a worldwide classic.
One of the film’s most unique aspects is its handcrafted production. Directed by veteran puppeteer Florian Moch, the adaptation brings the underwater world to life through traditional puppetry, with many of the colorful sea creatures created by hand. The project is being produced in partnership with Germany’s historic Augsburg Puppet Theatre, adding a distinctive artistic style that celebrates the timeless craft of practical puppetry.
Studiocanal Germany is producing the film alongside longtime collaborators Claussen + Putz Filmproduktion and Zodiac Pictures, continuing a partnership responsible for family favorites including Heidi, The Little Witch and The Robber Hotzenplotz.
As classic children’s literature continues finding new life on the big screen, The Rainbow Fish looks poised to introduce its heartfelt story of friendship, compassion and belonging to an entirely new generation of moviegoers while giving longtime readers another opportunity to revisit one of childhood’s most enduring tales.
The Rainbow Fish is currently in production and is scheduled to swim into German theaters on Nov. 19, 2026, with Studiocanal handling worldwide distribution.