Released in theaters on March 2, 2011, Paul is a science fiction comedy directed by Greg Mottola, written by Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. The British duo stars alongside Jason Bateman, Kristen Wiig, and Bill Hader, while Seth Rogen lends his voice to the alien in the original version (with Philippe Manœuvre voicing the character in the French version). This offbeat road movie will join Netflix's catalogue on February 28, 2026.
For over sixty years, Paul, an alien with an unmistakably familiar appearance, has been secretly working alongside the U.S. government in a highly classified base. Alleged inspiration for many science fiction stories, he suddenly becomes a liability when his knowledge no longer offers any strategic advantage. Forced to run, he crosses paths with two dedicated geek culture enthusiasts touring the United States in a camper after attending Comic-Con.
This unlikely trio embarks on a wild chase across the American desert. Part satire of conspiracy theories, part tribute to genre classics, the film features a series of chase scenes, comic misunderstandings, and plenty of references to Star Wars, Star Trek, and Close Encounters of the Third Kind. For Paul, the goal is to reach an extraction point and leave Earth behind, all while being pursued by a relentless federal agent and a hierarchy willing to do anything to silence him.
Greg Mottola's fourth feature film following Superbad and Adventureland, Paul reunites Simon Pegg and Nick Frost on screen. These two British comedy stars first gained fame with Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz. The project was conceived during the filming of their first collaboration, inspired by the idea of a sci-fi road trip fueled by their shared fascination with American pop culture and the vast, desolate landscapes of the West.
The character of Paul, entirely created through CGI, posed a major technical challenge. The animation team based their work on Seth Rogen's vocal and physical performances, which were filmed during rehearsals to capture naturalistic gestures. Additionally, the film is filled with nods to the history of science fiction cinema, including a self-aware cameo by Sigourney Weaver, a genre icon since Alien.
Part buddy movie, conspiracy satire, and a love letter to sci-fi films of the 1970s and 1980s, Paul speaks directly to fans familiar with geek culture. Its humor hinges on the contrast between the classic alien iconography and a deliberately irreverent protagonist. The film continues the tradition of Anglo-American reference comedies, where homage seamlessly blends with parody and self-deprecating humor.
Paul
Film | 2011
Release in theaters: March 2, 2011
Available on Netflix starting February 28, 2026
Adventure, Comedy, Science Fiction | Duration: 1h42
Directed by Greg Mottola | Starring Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Jason Bateman
Original title: Paul
Country: United States / United Kingdom
Blending desert chases, pop culture, and a de-sanctified extraterrestrial figure, Paul stands out uniquely in the realm of 2010s science fiction comedies. Its release on Netflix in February 2026 reintroduces this story of friendship and escape, crafted as a playful tribute to the cinematic mythologies that have shaped our collective imagination.
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