Charlie and the Kangaroos, family film directed by Kate Woods, hits cinemas on July 22, 2026. Inspired by the life of Chris “Brolga” Barns, founder of an Australian kangaroo rescue sanctuary, the feature whisks viewers to the heart of the Australian Outback for an adventure designed for both kids and adults.
Charlie and the Kangaroos
Film | 2026
Release date: July 22, 2026
Adventure, comedy, family | Running time: 1h47
Directed by Kate Woods | Screenplay: Harry Cripps, Melina Marchetta
Starring: Lily Whiteley, Ryan Corr, Rachel House
Original title: Kangaroo
Origin: Australia
Rated: Ages 6 and up
The story follows Chris, a former weather presenter whose car breaks down in a remote corner of Australia. There he meets Charlie, a 12-year-old Aboriginal girl who’s obsessed with kangaroos, and together they embark on a mission: to rescue and care for orphaned joey kangaroos.
Through this encounter, Charlie et les kangourous builds a family-centered story about friendship, grief, and animal protection. The film draws on the experience of Chris "Brolga" Barns, known in Australia for his sanctuary for kangaroos rescued after accidents or bushfires.
Directed by Kate Woods, the feature leans into the Outback landscapes and offers a child-friendly approach, while tackling the bond with nature and the care given to wild animals.
Trailer for Charlie and the Kangaroos
Charlie and the Kangaroos is aimed at families and fans of true-story animal adventures, in the tradition of coming-of-age tales and nature-conservation narratives.
To extend your cinema experience, check out the July cinema releases, the films currently showing, and our selection of family-friendly titles to see in theaters.
This page may contain AI-assisted elements, more information here.
