Utopai Studios has announced that it will develop and produce an animated feature based on Mike Bender’s bestselling children’s book The Most Serious Fart.

Bender will write the screenplay and direct the film, which is planned for theatrical release. Russell Hollander will serve as producer.

The Most Serious Fart follows Siegfried, an exceptionally serious fart who is frustrated that farts are always treated as a joke. Determined to change how the world sees him, Siegfried sets out on a journey that ultimately teaches him to embrace who he is and find friendship, fun, and a sense of belonging.

Bender and Hollander spent several years developing the project and discussing it with major studios, but the scale and economics of a traditional animated production made it difficult to move forward without compromising the integrity of the film. Utopai Studios’ commitment to artist-first, AI-assisted production provides a new path to bring the story to the screen, with Bender and the creative team retaining control of the writing, design, direction, performances, and final creative decisions.

“We were drawn to The Most Serious Fart because beneath the comedy is a universal story about wanting to be understood,” said Cecilia Shen, CEO and Co-Founder of Utopai Studios. “Mike believed in this project long before he found a studio prepared to fully support his vision. We believe Siegfried can become a major global franchise, and we look forward to bringing this film to audiences in theaters around the world.”

“Mike had a vision for this movie for a long time, but it was difficult to find a studio willing to take a chance on a character and a world as unconventional as Siegfried’s. The reality is it’s become more challenging to tell these kinds of original stories in traditional animation,” said Hollander.

“After speaking with Cecilia and the team at Utopai, it became clear that they were focused on an artist-driven approach, allowing us to keep the unique look and feel of the book. It was really important to me that the book’s illustrator, Chuck Dillon, was involved in the development process, and Utopai Studios really embraced that. They understood the heart, humor, and importance of keeping the filmmakers at the center of the process. When I set out to write the book, I really wanted to create a sophisticated story about something people perceive as unsophisticated. Ultimately, we want this to feel like nothing anyone has ever seen before. I’m excited to bring the art to fart,” said Bender.

Bender previously co-wrote and produced the Sony Pictures comedy Not Another Teen Movie. He is also the award-winning author of the children’s books Bored Panda, The End Is Just the Beginning, The Book About Nothing, and the co-creator and No. 1 New York Times bestselling co-author of Awkward Family Photos.

Hollander’s producing credits include Flight Risk, starring Mark Wahlberg; Adulthood starring Josh Gad; the ensemble romantic comedy Valentine’s Day, directed by Garry Marshall; and the upcoming Honeymoon With Harry starring Kevin Costner and Jake Gyllenhaal at Amazon Studios.

Additional information, including casting, members of the creative team, and theatrical release plans, will be announced at a later date.