Netflix has released the full trailer for Allen, a new science fiction feature scheduled for a global release on November 12, 2026. The film marks the first major live-action feature production from Ludo Studio, the Emmy-winning Australian production company widely recognized for the global animated phenomenon Bluey.
The story follows Petey, played by T.J. Power, who is unexpectedly reunited with his childhood alien friend, Allen, 20 years after the extra-terrestrial first disappeared. While the premise initially leans into the nostalgia of “alien friend” classics, the reunion quickly shifts into a high-stakes thriller as Petey discovers that Allen’s return is far from a simple social visit.
A Mature Twist on Childhood Sci-Fi
Created and co-directed by Daley Pearson alongside Jeffrey Walker, Allen subverts the traditional tropes established by films like E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. Rather than a story focused solely on childhood wonder, this “E.T. for adults” explores the consequences of that bond two decades later. Allen returns to Earth carrying a secret described as “big enough to change the world,” a burden that forces Petey into a central role in an effort to save the planet.
While early teasers for the project suggested a comedic tone centered on the awkwardness of reuniting with an alien, the latest trailer confirms a darker, high-stakes science fiction element. The mystery surrounding Allen’s secret provides the driving force for the film’s second half, moving the narrative from grounded character drama into a world-threatening conflict.
Production and Cast Details
The film features an ensemble of Australian talent, including Charlotte Nicdao, Josh Helman, Emily Barclay, and Benedict Hardie. Despite the reveal of the primary human cast, the identity of the actor portraying or voicing the alien Allen has not been publicly disclosed.
Filming for the project took place throughout Brisbane and the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia. Supported by Screen Queensland, Ludo Studio began production on the feature film with an emphasis on a specific “Australian nostalgia” aesthetic. This setting serves as the backdrop for Petey’s ordinary adult life before it is upended by the return of his extra-terrestrial companion.
The project represents a significant strategic expansion for Ludo Studio as they transition their storytelling style from short-form animation to a full-length live-action feature. Allen arrives on Netflix in mid-November, positioning it as one of the platform’s major sci-fi offerings for the late 2026 season.
