Remarkably Bright Creatures Comes Out May 8: Photos, Cast, Logline, Plot, Adaptation of Shelby Van Pelt's book - Netflix Tudum

  • News

    Dive in to Remarkably Bright Creatures with Sally Field and Lewis Pullman

    Director Olivia Newman’s adaptation of the bestselling novel by Shelby Van Pelt is now streaming.

    By Brookie McIlvaine
    May 13, 2026

What do an octopus, an Oscar winner, and a blockbuster star have in common? Look no further than Olivia Newman’s adaptation of Remarkably Bright Creatures, the debut novel by Shelby Van Pelt that spent more than 64 weeks on the New York Times hardcover fiction bestseller list, and more than 30 weeks and counting on the trade paperback fiction bestseller list. Newman’s widely anticipated film, starring Sally Field and Lewis Pullman, is now streaming. 

Watch the Remarkably Bright Creatures Trailer

What is Remarkably Bright Creatures about?

A widow who works at a local aquarium finds joy again when she forms unlikely bonds with a giant Pacific octopus and a wayward young man who comes to town in search of family. Together, they uncover a mystery that will lead them to a life-changing discovery and restore their sense of wonder. 

Next on Netflix 2026 - 'Discover Your Future in 2026'
Colm Meaney as Ethan and Sally Field as Tova sit across from each other at a rustic wooden picnic table outdoors, smiling and enjoying hot drinks with a serene lake and forested mountains in the background.

Who’s in the cast of Remarkably Bright Creatures?

Two-time Academy Award–winning actor Field (Lincoln, Forrest Gump) will play the widow Tova, with Pullman (Top Gun: Maverick, Lessons in Chemistry) as the new-in-town Cameron. Alfred Molina voices the curmudgeonly octopus, Marcellus. Also in the cast:

  • Colm Meaney (Star Trek: Deep Space NineBring Them Down)
  • Joan Chen (Dìdi, The Wedding Banquet)
  • Kathy Baker (The Ranch, Edward Scissorhands)
  • Beth Grant (Little Miss SunshineNo Country for Old Men)
  • Sofia Black-D’Elia (Single Drunk Female, The Night Of)
Lewis Pullman as Cameron and Sally Field as Tova stand together indoors in a colorfully decorated room with artistic bubble-like light fixtures and blue-toned walls, both smiling gently at the camera.

Who else is involved in Remarkably Bright Creatures?

Director Newman (Where the Crawdads Sing) co-wrote the script with John Whittington (Sonic the Hedgehog 3). Bryan Unkeless and Peter Craig produce for Night Owl, alongside Anonymous Content’s David Levine. Night Owl’s Alyssa Rodrigues, Anonymous Content’s Tony Lipp, Erika Hampson, Alisa Tager, Newman, and author Van Pelt executive produce.

Remarkably Bright Creatures is now streaming on Netflix.

Sally Field as Tova sitting alone on a bench at the end of a dock overlooking a calm lake, surrounded by forests and mountains under a cloudy sky, with a lamppost beside them and houses visible along the shoreline.

All About Remarkably Bright Creatures

  • Preview
    Watch a Sneak Peek of Remarkably Bright Creatures to Celebrate Earth Day
    Meet the wry, witty Marcellus, the octopus superstar, in this exclusive clip.
    By Alex Frank
    6:53 pm
  • News
    Find out who’s playing the cantankerous Marcellus in the upcoming adaptation.
    By Jean Bentley
    6:52 pm
  • Who’s Who
    What other actors bring Shelby Van Pelt’s best-selling novel to life?
    By Brookie McIlvaine
    6:50 pm
  • Deep Dive
    Find out the connection between Tova, Cameron, and an octopus named Marcellus.
    By Jean Bentley
    6:49 pm
  • Behind the VFX
    Learn how the VFX team created an unlikely new underwater icon, voiced by Alfred Molina.
    By Alex Frank
    May 11
  • What To Watch
    Now if only we all had eight tentacles like Marcellus for snacking.
    By Ananda Dillon
    May 8

Shop Remarkably Bright Creatures

GO TO NETFLIX SHOP

Discover More News

  • News
    The showrunners promise the “satisfying finale Mickey Haller deserves.”
    By Ruth Kinane
    10:20 pm
  • News
    Love begins anew.
    By Ariana Romero
    9:25 pm
  • News
    The series chronicles a disturbing  event that unfolded at a fertility center.
    By Thea Glassman
    8:01 pm
  • News
    Get ready to get real with the social media phenom and her family in Earle Meets World
    By Melanie Whyte
    7:46 pm
  • News
    As you wait for the Gaang’s return, check out all the Season 2 news and a funny bone–bending blooper reel.
    By Christopher Hudspeth
    7:45 pm
  • News
    Watch an exclusive clip for the new chapter, which comes out on July 2.
    By Brookie McIlvaine
    7:45 pm
  • News
    The Never Have I Ever joins Hasan Minhaj’s comedy film.
    By Brookie McIlvaine
    7:45 pm
  • News
    AEG Presents and Netflix are bringing Honmoon magic to an arena near you. 
    By Stephan Lee
    7:35 pm

Popular Now

  • News
    A room full of expert flamethrowers gave Hart absolutely no peace.
    By Amanda Richards and Chris Hudspeth
    May 11
  • News
    Plus, Man on Fire stays hot in its second week, and Remarkably Bright Creatures makes waves.
    By Ananda Dillon and Ashley Lee
    Yesterday 7:00 pm
  • New on Netflix
    Stream Remarkably Bright Creatures, Swapped, Lord of the Flies, and more.
    By Ashley Lee
    April 30