Director Genndy Tartakovsky Discusses Pushing the Boundaries of R-Rated Animation

      Will audiences be interested in an R-rated animated film from a major studio featuring a dog relishing his last night of unaltered freedom? Animation veteran Genndy Tartakovsky is set to discover the answer with his film Fixed.

      “That’s the million-dollar question — will Fixed make an impact?” Tartakovsky remarks. “Will it pave the way for future projects? And if it draws viewers on streaming, will studios then think, ‘Oh, look, people are eager to watch it on streaming. Could they be interested enough to buy tickets and see it in theatres?’”

      This question holds more value than just a million dollars, as Fixed has the potential to unlock a much larger market for adult animation if its risqué narrative succeeds.

      The Netflix comedy centers around Bull (voiced by Adam DeVine), a Staffordshire Bull Terrier who engages in a variety of inappropriate behaviors. Unlike his friends Rocco (Idris Elba), Fetch (Fred Armisen), and Lucky (Bobby Moynihan), he remains unneutered. After learning his humans plan to neuter him the following morning, Bull and his friends indulge in a night of wild antics, all while Bull fantasizes about his neighbor Honey (Kathryn Hahn), an Afghan Hound he adores.

      Tartakovsky has created several beloved animated series, including Dexter’s Laboratory, Samurai Jack, and Star Wars: Clone Wars. He has been working on the concept for Fixed since before he directed the first Hotel Transylvania in 2012, and Sony approved the film after his work on the third installment, Hotel Transylvania: Summer Vacation, in 2018.

      The journey for Fixed to reach the screen has been tumultuous: it was completed in 2023 and initially set to be released in cinemas by Warner Bros. Discovery under New Line Cinema, but was subsequently dropped due to cost-cutting measures, according to Deadline. The project then returned to Sony, which ultimately brought it to Netflix.

      The streaming platform has emerged as a leader in adult animation, featuring series like Bojack Horseman and Big Mouth, along with Sony Animation films like The Mitchells Vs. the Machines and the record-breaking K-Pop Demon Hunters.

      We spoke with Genndy Tartakovsky about striking a balance between crude humor and emotional depth, the film's 2D animation style, and his aspirations for the future of adult animated features.

      MovieMaker: Can you describe the initial development of Fixed and the various animation styles and techniques you explored?

      Genndy Tartakovsky: I envisioned it as a 2D cartoon film initially. However, when it didn’t gain traction, I thought, I don’t want to compromise since we have a rated-R story that is original. Maybe changing one aspect to be more “mainstream” could help with sales.

      We attempted working with CG animation and even developed a CG Bull from the early designs. It started looking decent, but when we began modeling the testicles, adding hair and detailing, it quickly became unpleasant. We stopped because it would have altered the film's tone from charming to outright gross.

      We then reverted to the original style and I experimented with character designs, adjusting the subversiveness through various iterations, but I generally kept the end result in mind.

      MovieMaker: Fixed effectively employs dog characters to highlight human insecurities and traits. What was the process of shaping Bull’s narrative and the romantic connection between him and Honey?

      Genndy Tartakovsky: Adam and Kathryn’s performances bring so much warmth; I wanted their relationship to feel special. Honey isn’t just a typical demure neighbor, and Bull isn’t just a handsome guy. Their dynamic is more about humor and sarcasm with a playful teasing, making it resonate as a real relationship.

      My wife and I often joke with each other in a friendly manner, so I aimed for a modern representation of how couples interact. It was essential to make their relationship feel authentic and meaningful, especially since their scenes together are limited, making it a challenge to convey depth in few interactions.

      MovieMaker: Fixed features an impressive integration of jazz, soul, and R&B music. The needle drop of "Me and Mrs. Jones" is a standout moment.

      Genndy Tartakovsky: I always wanted that style of music because it carries a natural warmth and resonates with my personal tastes. I adore 70s R&B and funk — it evokes nostalgia for me. Integrating these classic songs added warmth to the film and created a distinct atmosphere beyond typical orchestral soundtracks.

      Initially, our music budget was quite small, but we managed to increase it to feature songs that truly defined the film. It enriched the overall warmth and aesthetic. Tyler Bates and Joanne Higginbottom contributed original music, incorporating elements inspired by bands like Earth, Wind & Fire.

      MovieMaker: The film's use of varying light colors greatly enhances its emotional impact. What discussions did you have with your background artists