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Open Season

Open Season is a 2006 American computer-animated adventure comedy film produced by Sony Pictures Animation, the studio’s first feature film.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Open Season is a 2006 American computer-animated adventure comedy film produced by Sony Pictures Animation, the studio’s first feature film. Directed by Jill Culton and Roger Allers, it follows a domesticated grizzly bear named Boog and a mule deer named Elliot as they try to survive in the woods before hunting season opens. The film was released in Canada as part of its North American theatrical distribution.

Plot

The film follows Boog, a tame grizzly bear living with a park ranger, after he is sent into the wild. There he teams up with Elliot and other forest animals to resist hunters and adapt to life in the woods.

Production

Open Season was produced by Sony Pictures Animation and directed by Jill Culton and Roger Allers. It was the studio’s first feature film and features a voice cast led by Martin Lawrence and Ashton Kutcher.

Release and reception

The film premiered in September 2006 and was released widely in U.S. theatres the same month. It earned roughly US$201 million worldwide and drew mixed critical reviews.

Franchise

Open Season became the first entry in a media franchise. Later entries included direct-to-video sequels and related media built around the same characters and setting.

Key facts

  • It was Sony Pictures Animation’s debut feature film.
  • The film stars the voices of Martin Lawrence, Ashton Kutcher, Debra Messing, and Gary Sinise.
  • The story centres on Boog, a domesticated grizzly bear, and Elliot, a one-antlered mule deer.
  • It received mixed reviews from critics.
  • Open Season launched a franchise that later included sequels and other spin-off media.
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Canadian context

Open Season was released in Canada through major North American theatrical distribution and later became part of the broader English-language family film market that is widely circulated in Canada.

Frequently asked questions

What is Open Season?
Open Season is a 2006 American animated adventure comedy film about a grizzly bear and a mule deer trying to survive in the wild before hunting season begins.
Who directed Open Season?
The film was directed by Jill Culton and Roger Allers.
Who voices the main characters?
Martin Lawrence voices Boog, and Ashton Kutcher voices Elliot.
Was Open Season Sony Pictures Animation’s first film?
Yes. It was the studio’s debut feature film.
How successful was Open Season?
It grossed about US$201 million worldwide against an US$85 million budget.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_Season_(2006_film)
    Supports: Basic film identification, directors, cast, release date, plot, budget, box office, and franchise context.
  2. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/open_season
    Supports: Synopsis, release information, runtime, rating, and genre.
  3. Sony Pictures Entertainment — https://www.sonypictures.com/movies/openseason
    Supports: Official studio description, premise, and identification as Sony Pictures Animation’s first feature film.
  4. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0400717/
    Supports: Release date and alternate title information.