Superworm (2021): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot
Superworm is a 2021 short animated comedy directed by Sarah Scrimgeour and Jac Hamman, starring Matt Smith as Superworm (voice), Kobna Holdbrook-Smith and Patricia Allison. It runs 25 minutes and earned $32,524 worldwide. Its Echo Score is 54/100.
- Released
- Runtime
- 25 min
- Directors
- Sarah Scrimgeour and Jac Hamman
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Magic Light Pictures
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Superworm About?
The premise of Superworm without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
Superworm is super-long and super-strong, and is always saving the day. But who can save him when he gets too full of himself and is captured by the evil Wizard Lizard?
Superworm Cast & Characters
Matt Smith leads the cast as Superworm (voice), with Kobna Holdbrook-Smith as Wizard Lizard (voice) and Patricia Allison as Butterfly (voice). Directed by Sarah Scrimgeour and Jac Hamman; 10 actors are credited in all.
- Co-director Sarah Scrimgeour
- Co-director Jac Hamman
-
Matt Smith as Superworm (voice) - Kobna Holdbrook-Smith as Wizard Lizard (voice)
- Patricia Allison as Butterfly (voice)
-
Olivia Colman as Narrator (voice)
Also Starring in Superworm
· 6 more- Rob Brydon Crow (voice)
- Lizzie Waterworth Spider (voice)
- Paul Thornley Papa Toad / Beetle (voice)
- Cariad Lloyd Mama Toad / Beetle (voice)
- Felix Tandon Baby Toad (voice)
- Samara Sutariya Skipping Beetle (voice)
More from Sarah Scrimgeour and Jac Hamman
One more film directed by Sarah Scrimgeour and Jac Hamman: Tabby McTat.
Superworm Reviews & Ratings
Our Echo Score gives it 54/100, strongest in art & craft (68) and weakest in character & emotion (35).
Superworm Echo Score Breakdown
Superworm presents a mixed experience across its core elements. The animation and visual design receive modest praise for charm and fidelity to the source material, yet several reviewers note a flat, overly smooth style that detracts from depth. Character portrayal is widely criticized for an inflated ego that clashes with the book's tone, while the narrative pacing is seen as uneven, oscillating between engaging moments and drawn‑out sequences. Overall, the short holds limited replay value, balancing modest strengths against notable weaknesses.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 68
In terms of animation and visual craftsmanship, the short gains commendation for its bright color palette and faithful illustration style. Several viewers appreciate the clean, smooth CGI that mirrors the book’s aesthetic, while others describe the rendering as overly flat and lacking texture. The mixed feedback suggests competent production values that fall short of the tactile richness found in comparable adaptations. Consequently, the art score reflects moderate approval.
- Character & Emotion 35
When evaluating character depth and performance, most comments highlight a misalignment with the original protagonist’s humility. Critics point to an exaggerated, self‑celebratory worm that feels arrogant and detracts from audience empathy. Acting choices and personality cues are described as irritating rather than endearing, resulting in limited emotional resonance. While a few reviewers note occasional charm, the prevailing sentiment is that character execution undermines the story’s appeal.
- Story & Flow 45
Storywise, the adaptation oscillates between engaging and sluggish. Positive remarks cite faithful plot beats and moments of clever rescue, yet many reviewers criticize pacing, describing the 25‑minute runtime as stretched and the narrative as uneven. The addition of new scenes and narration adds depth for some, but others find the expansion dilute the original’s concise rhythm. This balance of strengths and weaknesses positions the story in a mixed, lukewarm range.
- Sensory Experience 55
Sensory elements, including sound design and visual cohesion, receive a mixed appraisal. The soundtrack and audio cues are praised for supporting the story’s mood, yet several commentators note an overly processed, breathy narration that feels out of place. Visual style is acknowledged as smooth, though some find it too computer‑generated and lacking tactile warmth. Overall, sensory execution is adequate but not compelling, yielding a middling score.
- Rewatch Factor 65
Rewatch potential appears modestly positive, especially among younger viewers who enjoy repeated viewings. Some families report frequent daily repeats, citing the short’s length and simple appeal. However, critiques of narrative pacing and character flaws temper enthusiasm for subsequent watches. The overall impression suggests that while the short can hold a child’s interest on repeat, its broader appeal wanes after initial exposure.
Superworm Plot Summary
What happens in Superworm from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 12 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
Superworm is a bold, long-hearted garden resident who, voiced by Matt Smith, trains to become a true superhero in a sunlit slice of the outdoors. The story introduces a plucky caterpillar who joins his mission, and as time progresses she eventually emerges from her cocoon as a delicate butterfly. When Butterfly rises, she helps Butterfly catalyze Superworm’s growing reputation through a sequence of daring rescues: he saves a toad from a speeding truck, entertains a buzzing swarm of bored bees, and plucks a drowning beetle from danger. Yet this streak of heroism stirs complex feelings: Butterfly grows wary as Superworm starts to receive sole credit for their feats, even as the garden community cheers each courageous act.
Full summary
The whole story of Superworm, scene by scene
Superworm Box Office
Superworm grossed $32,524 worldwide.
Worldwide gross
$32.5K
- International
- $32.5K
Superworm Trailers & Videos
The trailer of Superworm.
How Well Do You Know Superworm?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
Who provides the voice for the title character, Superworm?
Superworm Also Known As
11 alternative titles, including “Superasticot” and “PreñvMeurbet”.
- Also known as
-
- Superasticot
- PreñvMeurbet
- Supergusano
- Superwurm
- Supercuc
- Superdeževnik
- Superverme
- תולעת כל יודעת
- Supermarken
- Sepe Superliero
- Superorm
Seen Superworm?
Superworm FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office and post-credit scenes of Superworm, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Superworm?
Superworm runs 25 minutes.
When was Superworm released?
Superworm was released on December 25, 2021.
Who directed Superworm?
Superworm was directed by Sarah Scrimgeour and Jac Hamman.
More films by Sarah Scrimgeour Who is in the cast of Superworm?
Superworm stars Matt Smith as Superworm (voice), Kobna Holdbrook-Smith as Wizard Lizard (voice) and Patricia Allison as Butterfly (voice), among 10 credited actors.
How much did Superworm make at the box office?
Superworm grossed $32,524 worldwide.
Does Superworm have a post-credit scene?
No. Superworm has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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