Studiocanal Adapting Controversial Children’s Book ‘The Rainbow Fish’

Studiocanal is getting behind an animated feature adaptation of Marcus Pfister’s children’s classic The Rainbow Fish about an arrogant shiny fish who learns there’s more to life than glittering scales.

The pan-European studio’s German arm Studiocanal Germany is partnering with Claussen + Putz Filmproduktion and Zodiac Pictures on the feature, continuing a collaboration which has also yielded titles such as The Robber Hotzenplotz, The Little Witch and Heidi.

The book, which has sold more than 30 million copies since its publication in 1992, is a beloved children’s staple but has also stirred-up controversy in the U.S. in recent years amid debate over its underlying message.

In the book, the protagonist is a beautiful but arrogant fish who is shunned when he refuses to share his glittering scales with other fish. On the advice of a wise old octopus, he starts giving up his scales to the point that he only has one left but ends up with lots of friends.  

Writer Pfister has said the story is ultimately about the beauty of sharing, but recent detractors have said it sends out mixed messages about individuality, acceptance, coercion and boundaries, in turn sparking debates over cancel culture.

This has not stopped Studiocanal putting their heft behind the animated adaptation.

“The Rainbow Fish carries a universal message that is understood and loved all over the world. It is a great joy for us to reinterpret this special story together with our partners as a major cinematic experience for audiences of all ages,” said Studiocanal Germany co-heads Hooman Afshari and Lutz Rippe.

The synopsis for the film adaptation reads: “With his shimmering scales, the Rainbow Fish is the most beautiful fish in the entire ocean. But he is also vain and proud, which alienates the other fish. As a result, he becomes increasingly lonely. When he eventually loses one of his beloved glittering scales, it is none other than the Little Blue fish who accompanies him on the search into the deepest parts of the ocean. An adventurous journey begins – and the Rainbow Fish learns that together we are much braver than alone, and that true friendship is more precious than the most magnificent coat of scales.”

The production has come together in partnership with Germany’s 80-year-old Augsburg Puppet Theatre. It is based on a screenplay and directed by the theater’s veteran puppeteer Florian Moch, who has brought the story’s underwater world and colourful community of fish to life through traditional puppetry, crafting most of the puppets himself.

“Being able to create a contemporary, handcrafted puppet film with The Rainbow Fish is something very special—and a childhood dream come true for me,” said Moch.

A high-profile ensemble has been assembled for the German voices of the beloved sea creatures, including actors Jannik Schümann and Luna Wedler, TV host Tobi Krell, actor Bjarne Mädel, comedian Oliver Kalkofe, musician Bela B. Felsenheimer, actors Andrea Sawatzki, Hella von Sinnen and Mechthild Großmann and content creator Tom Böttcher.

Filming in Augsburg will continue until mid-July, with a German theatrical release scheduled for November 19, 2026.

 Studiocanal is handling worldwide distribution and worldwide sales.