A monster worth believing in
The Loch Ness Monster has been everything from grainy photo fodder to cryptid conspiracy mascot, but never the star of her own animated feature. That changes with Nessie Junior, a new family film from Red Kite Animation in Edinburgh, produced in collaboration with FFL Film, Epsilon Film, and Triggerfish Animation Studios.
Unveiled at the American Film Market in Los Angeles, Nessie Junior reimagines Scotland’s most famous legend as a modern coming-of-age adventure. Think mist, monsters, and a generous splash of heart.
What’s the story?
Thirteen-year-old Kellina meets Finn, the grandson of Nessie herself, and together they fight to stop a corporate scheme that threatens both their worlds. It’s a story about friendship, courage, and refusing to give up on the impossible, familiar territory, yup, but it sounds like it’s being handled with genuine warmth.
The film is written and directed by Stephen Donnelly (Scrooge: A Christmas Carol, Monster High: Welcome to Monster High) from an original idea by Jens Opatz and Matthias Drescher, with production aimed for 2026.
Who’s making it happen?
This one’s an international team-up that actually makes sense:
- Red Kite Animation is leading creative development out of Edinburgh.
- Triggerfish Animation Studios (South Africa/Ireland) is handling visuals. They’re the people behind Khumba, Adventures in Zambezia, and Netflix’s Seal Team.
- FFL Film and M.A.R.K.13 (Germany) are producing with support from MFG Baden-Württemberg and Screen Scotland.
- Epsilon Film is managing international sales, the same crew who brought us The Amazing Maurice 2.
Producer Ken Anderson says the film aims to be “heartfelt and uplifting — rooted in Scottish folklore but with universal appeal.”
Why it matters
It’s a proper cross-continental collaboration that might finally give the Loch Ness Monster some depth. Red Kite’s Scottish perspective mixed with Triggerfish’s flair for visual storytelling could turn Nessie Junior into something special.
It’s also a major moment for Red Kite. A studio that’s quietly built a reputation for character-driven animation and now looks ready for its first big-screen leap.
And honestly, how has no one made a proper Nessie film before? The legend’s practically begging for this treatment.
The real challenge
Pulling off the right tone is everything. Will it keep that local Scottish flavour without tipping into tartan-tourism territory? Can it balance the mystery and mythology with lighthearted fun for younger audiences?
Donnelly’s Scrooge found a decent emotional pulse amid glossy visuals, so there’s reason to hope.
Final thoughts
I’m rooting for this one. It’s rare to see a UK-led animated feature with this level of ambition, and even rarer to see the Loch Ness Monster getting her moment in the digital sun. If the film delivers on its promise of hearty wonder and avoids going too cutesy, it could be a surprise hit.
Stay unruly.
TL;DR
- Title: Nessie Junior
- Studios: Red Kite Animation (UK), FFL Film (Germany), Triggerfish (South Africa/Ireland), Epsilon Film (Germany)
- Director/Writer: Stephen Donnelly (Scrooge: A Christmas Carol)
- Story: Teen girl Kellina befriends Finn, Nessie’s grandson, to protect him from corporate capture.
- Production target: 2026
- Revealed at: American Film Market 2025
- Why it matters: The first-ever Loch Ness Monster animated feature and a genuinely global team-up.
