Fifteen years after creating the acclaimed series Samurai Jack, Primal, and Star Wars: Clone Wars, Genndy Tartakovsky’s edgy animated comedy Fixed is finally set to premiere on Netflix on August 13. The film, pitched as an R-rated version of Lady and the Tramp, faced numerous challenges throughout its long production journey, including studio changes and discussions around the graphic portrayal of its canine characters.
Originally produced by Sony Pictures Animation, Tartakovsky completed Fixed in 2023. Although Warner Bros.’ New Line Cinema had plans to release it in theaters in 2024, the studio decided to cancel its release amid cost-cutting measures that also impacted other films like Coyote vs. Acme and The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie. Tartakovsky presented Fixed to various distributors, eventually catching the attention of Netflix’s Vice President of Animation Series, John Derderian, who expressed his enthusiasm for the project.
"I believe it’s crucial to have a champion in these situations," Tartakovsky remarked in a video call with Polygon. "Although adult animation has thrived on platforms like streaming, it’s a different story in theaters. This new wave of adult animation is still uncharted territory for many, leaving distributors hesitant to take risks. The audience that enjoys it on TV is likely to appreciate it in theaters as well, even if I lack the focus group data to demonstrate that."
The R-rated Fixed centers on Bull (voiced by Adam DeVine), a mutt who learns he is about to be neutered and decides to live it up for one last night out with his friends. Tartakovsky described Bull as having a “false sense of security” surrounding his anatomy, likening it to Samson and his hair, and added that Bull’s friends are neutered but seem pretty normal. "If I was about to undergo that procedure, I’d feel anxious too."
Due to the significance of Bull’s testicles to the storyline, they play a prominent role in the film. Tartakovsky had to advocate for their visibility throughout the animation process. "It might be a bit shocking at first, but you’ll get used to it, similar to adjusting to a nude beach,” he joked. However, he did need to tone down the animation of the dogs’ private parts. "In our first test screening, we had a serious conversation about it. The animation of our buttholes is very understated—just a circle with a little X, not realistically drawn—reflecting how dogs naturally appear.”
The film’s animation style draws inspiration from the exaggerated aesthetics of series like The Ren & Stimpy Show, though Tartakovsky emphasizes that Fixed reflects his admiration for classic Warner Bros. cartoons and the works of animation legend Tex Avery. He collaborated with a diverse team of animators worldwide to blend the quintessential Warner Bros. look with the immersive humor of Avery’s creations.
Tartakovsky noted, "It’s one of the animation styles I trained in early on and truly enjoy. We don’t employ the exaggerated, googly-eyed expressions characteristic of many shows; instead, it maintains a level of control. Our dogs move like real dogs—I didn’t want them to resemble characters from Hanna-Barbera."
Beneath the film’s adult humor lies a sincere love story, with Bull attempting to gather the courage to express his feelings to Honey (voiced by Kathryn Hahn), the attractive show dog residing next door. "She’s significantly bigger than him, leading him to believe they are merely friends," Tartakovsky explained. "The film features raunchy humor, memorable characters, and exquisite hand-drawn animation. I’m genuinely excited for it to be released."
Fixed is set to premiere on Netflix on August 13.
