Leo: release date, voice cast, plot, trailer and everything you need to know

Leo is a cute Netflix animated story that sees Adam Sandler voice a classroom lizard.
Leo is a cute Netflix animated story that sees Adam Sandler voice a classroom lizard. (Image credit: Netflix)

Leo is a coming-of-age animated musical comedy on Netflix that sees The Wedding Singer star Adam Sandler voicing a jaded class pet Leo. This 74-year-old lizard who’s been stuck in the same Florida classroom for decades alongside a turtle called Squirtle, which is voiced by Bill Burr. But when Leo discovers he only has a year to live, he decides to escape and finally tick off his bucket list dreams. 

The animated movie, which was co-written by Adam Sandler himself, is a family affair as it also features voices from his wife, Jackie and daughters Sadie and Sunny. 

Here’s everything you need to know about Leo on Netflix… 

Leo poster.

We're all gonna love Leo! (Image credit: Netflix)

Leo release date 

Leo is released worldwide on Netflix on Tuesday November 21 2023. Enjoy!

Is there a trailer for Leo?

There's both an official trailer and a teaser trailer for Leo, and it looks so sweet. We see fed-up lizard Leo and his turtle friend Squirtle awaiting the start of yet another new school year, with Leo hoping it will live up to his dreams. You can watch both trailers below...

What is the plot of Netflix animation Leo?

Elderly lizard Leo (short for Leonardo), has been a class pet for decades, sharing his terrarium with turtle Squirtle. Not all the students are keen on them but they always seem to win them around. Then, Leo learns he only has a year to live and vows to break free from the LA classroom and start ticking off his bucket list adventures. But then, Leo gets caught up in the problems of his anxious students, including a mean substitute teacher, and decides to spend his time very differently.

Poor Leo learns he only has a year to live!

Poor Leo learns he only has a year to live! (Image credit: Netflix)

Leo cast — Adam Sandler as Leo

Adam Sandler voices a frustrated lizard Leo, the star of this animated movie. The comedy actor has numerous hit movies under his belt, including The Wedding Singer, The Waterboy, Happy Gilmore and 50 First Dates. More recently he’s starred in Murder Mystery and its sequel Murder Mystery 2, Uncut Gems, Hustle and this year’s Netflix show You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah, which also starred his wife and daughters (see more below). 

Leo the classroom lizard.

Leo the classroom lizard is voiced by Adam Sandler (Image credit: Netflix)

Bill Burr as turtle Squirtle 

Paying Squirtle is the stand-up comedian and actor who is best known for his role as Patrick Kuby in Breaking Bad. He’s also starred in F is for Family, Date Night, The King of Staten Island, The Mandalorian and Outer Banks

Bill Burr voices the turtle Squirtle (on left).

Bill Burr voices the turtle Squirtle (on left). (Image credit: Netflix)

Who else is starring in Leo?

Leo is also stars Cecily Strong (Schmigadoon!) who is playing a teacher called Ms. Malkin while musical actress Allison Strong is Mrs Salinas. Adam Sandler’s wife Jackie voices a mum while his daughters Sadie and Sunny take on characters called Jayda and Summer, they all previously starred with Adam in You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah. Jason Alexander, Rob Schneider and Stephanie Hsu also lend their voices to the film. 

Sadie and Sunny Sandler voice Jayda and Summer

 Sadie and Sunny Sandler voice pupils Jayda and Summer (Image credit: Netflix)

Promo still from You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah

The Sandler family in You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah. (Image credit: Netflix)

Behind the scenes and more on Netflix animation Leo

Leo's directors are Robert Marianetti, Robert Smigel, David Wachtenheim, the producer is Happy Madison while co-writers of the show are Robert Smigel, Adam Sandler and Paul Sado. Music is composed by Geoff Zanelli.

Can Leo enjoy his final year?

Can Leo enjoy his final year? (Image credit: Netflix)
Nicholas Cannon
TV Content Director on TV Times, What's On TV and TV & Satellite Week

I'm a huge fan of television so I really have found the perfect job, as I've been writing about TV shows, films and interviewing major television, film and sports stars for over 25 years. I'm currently TV Content Director on What's On TV, TV Times, TV and Satellite Week magazines plus Whattowatch.com. I previously worked on Woman and Woman's Own in the 1990s. Outside of work I swim every morning, support Charlton Athletic football club and get nostalgic about TV shows Cagney & Lacey, I Claudius, Dallas and Tenko. I'm totally on top of everything good coming up too.

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