Disney+ is releasing a new animated film, 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules,' featuring Greg Heffley and his older brother's rocky relationship.

20th Century Studios

FILM & TV

Greg Heffley Returns in a New Animated Sequel, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules

Disney+ is releasing a new animated film, 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules,' featuring Greg Heffley and his older brother's rocky relationship.
20th Century Studios

Disney+ released the trailer for the upcoming film, ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules,’ and fans couldn’t be more excited to see the Heffley brothers back in the spotlight.

Disney+ is releasing a new animated film, 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules,' featuring Greg Heffley and his older brother's rocky relationship.
20th Century Studios.

The film is adapted from Jeff Kinney’s book, “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules.” The story follows Greg Heffley, an angsty teen trying to survive middle school with the help of his nerdy best friend, Rowley. This upcoming animated film touches on Greg’s complicated relationship with his older brother, Rodrick. Rodrick is the black sheep of the family. He is an undisciplined, rebellious, spikey-haired high school student who enjoys tormenting Greg to no end. Although Rodrick appears to be unpleasant towards the protagonist, he still harbors a brotherly affection towards Greg.

Jeff Kinney’s books have been adapted into live-action films starring Zachary Gordon (Greg Heffley), Robert Capron (Rowley Jefferson), and Devon Bostick (Rodrick Heffley). While the cast retired from their roles, the films have been long reminisced by fans of the books. The live-action Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules was released in 2011 and was a huge success at the box office, garnering $72.4 million worldwide. Fans have hailed Devon Bostick as the perfect Rodrick. He gives a goofy, emo twist to the character while also embodying the immaturity of a high school student. 

Compared to the film’s predecessors, Disney+ has taken a new approach to adapt the book series through computer animation. As a result, the characters’ appearances look more faithful to the source material. The trailer showcases Greg Heffley’s iconic frown and widely recognizable cartoonish design.

The animated sequel is set to be directed by Luke Cormican and written and produced by the series’ author, Jeff Kinney. The voice actors of the upcoming film include Brady Noon (The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers), who will be voicing Greg Heffley, alongside Hunter Dillon (Deadpool 2) as Greg’s rebellious brother, Rodrick Heffley. 

Upon the release of the film’s trailer, Jeff Kinney tweeted out, “December 2nd!” with an image of the movie’s official poster. He also promoted the film’s original song, “Can You Smell Us Now,” performed by Jimmy Tatro. To the song’s announcement, Kinney hilariously writes, “Leakin’ through your speakers like a chocolate cow.” Kinney wrote the song’s lyrics, and the track was written and produced by Jon Levine. “Can You Smell Us Now” is available to stream on Spotify.

Jeff Kinney has cultivated many childhoods with his “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series and has been slated as the #1 International bestselling author. Kinney’s new book “Diper Överlöde” features Greg on the road to fame with Rodrick and his band, Löded Diper. “Diper Överlöde” is expected to be published on October 25 and can be pre-ordered here. Fans of the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” books are excited for Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules. The movie will be released on Disney+ on December 2. Fans can watch the trailer for the animated sequel down below.