Genndy Tartakovsky’s Bold Journey: R-Rated Animated Comedy "Fixed" Premieres on Netflix

Following a long and tumultuous journey spanning over 16 years, Genndy Tartakovsky’s much-anticipated R-rated animated comedy Fixed is finally arriving on Netflix. The film centers on a dog named Bull, who embarks on a frantic adventure to enjoy one last night of freedom before undergoing the inevitable procedure of neutering. The film has already garnered positive reception at film festivals, including Annecy and Montreal’s Fantasia Festival.

Tartakovsky, known for his work on the Hotel Transylvania series as well as the adult-oriented hits Samurai Jack and Primal, first pitched the idea for Fixed in 2008 to Sony Pictures Animation not specifically as a dog-neutering comedy but as a narrative about friendship. It wasn't until mid-pitch that the "neutering" twist struck him. “What if one of them is a dog and he finds out he’s going to get neutered in the morning?" he recalled, which sparked laughter in the room and solidified the pitch.

The film features a stellar voice cast, including Adam Devine as Bull, Idris Elba as the tough-talking Rocco, Fred Armisen as the aspiring influencer Fetch, and Bobby Moynihan as the goofy Lucky. Together, they rally to help Bull attain his ultimate goal: a night with his dream girl, Honey, voiced by Kathryn Hahn.

Despite its potential, Fixed faced numerous setbacks during production. Studios hesitated, rewrites became frequent, and the market for adult animation was still emerging in 2008. Even after Warner Bros. scheduled a theatrical release for August 2024, the film was dropped amidst corporate cutbacks. Tartakovsky reflected on how the shifting landscape of the industry led to doubts about the project’s viability.

Netflix initially passed on the film, leaving Tartakovsky questioning his creative decisions. However, a turning point came when John Derderian, who oversees Netflix's animated series, viewed the completed film and championed its release. Now, as Fixed prepares to premiere on the streaming platform, Tartakovsky sees this as a critical moment for adult animated features in the U.S. “If it’s successful and opens the door for more of it… that would be incredible,” he stated.

With Fixed, Tartakovsky aims to challenge the norm, noting that while there are many adult series, animated films often stick to the family-friendly model. He expresses a desire for animation to be as diverse as live-action storytelling. As the hand-drawn film finally prepares to find its audience, it represents not just a completed project but a testament to the space needed for bold and unique animated narratives.

Source: Genndy Tartakovsky Opens Up on the Long Road to Netflix’s R-Rated Animated Comedy Fixed: “I Was Going to a Dark Place”