What Is Ferdinand About?
The premise of Ferdinand in 267 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the sun‑kissed hills of Spain, a bustling bull‑training ranch looms over fields of fragrant blossoms. Here, the gentle giant Ferdinand is more at home with a sprig of rose than the roar of a crowd, his peaceful nature a quiet rebellion against the fierce expectations of the arena. The film paints this world in warm, pastel‑rich animation, letting the scent of flowers mingle with the earthy rhythm of a countryside where tradition and tenderness coexist.
When Ferdinand slips away from the rigorous camp, his curiosity carries him into a lively caravan of unlikely companions. A clever goat with a mischievous grin, three spiky hedgehogs that tumble with comic bravado, and the kindly florist Juan and his bright‑eyed daughter Nina become his newfound allies. Together they wander through bustling markets, winding vineyards, and open plains, crafting a whimsical adventure that balances light‑hearted humor with a heartfelt yearning for freedom. The tone stays breezy and optimistic, inviting viewers to root for the underdog‑turned‑bulldozer who refuses to fight.
Yet beyond the rolling meadows, a shadow looms in the form of the formidable bullfighter El Primero, a figure of legend whose presence hints at the ultimate test of Ferdinand’s gentle spirit. The story promises an uplifting exploration of courage that doesn’t rely on strength of arm but on the power of kindness, inviting audiences to wonder whether a bull who loves flowers can rewrite the rules of the ring. The film’s vivid palette, playful soundtrack, and endearing character dynamics set the stage for an adventure that celebrates the beauty of staying true to oneself amidst a world that expects otherwise.
What Happens in Ferdinand?
The complete story of Ferdinand, from the first scene to the last, in 659 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 12 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
This animated feature, inspired by a beloved children’s book, begins its story in Spain, where it unfolds at the Casa Del Toro, a bull-training ranch. Here, three young calves eagerly anticipate which older bull will be chosen to face a matador. Among them is the gentle Ferdinand, voiced by Colin H. Murphy, who tends to a delicate rose he has planted in the pasture. He endures mockery from his peers, particularly from Valiente (voiced by Jack Gore), alongside his companions Guapo (portrayed by Jet Jurgensmeyer) and Bones (voiced by Nile Diaz).
Observing the formidable older bulls, including their fathers, the calves witness a fight for supremacy. Ultimately, Ferdinand’s father, voiced by Jeremy Sisto, is selected, bidding farewell to Ferdinand, while Valiente’s own father coldly dismisses him. In a fit of jealousy, Valiente crushes Ferdinand’s cherished flower.
Soon after, Ferdinand sees the dreaded truck that took his father return without him. Grief-stricken, he escapes the ranch and wanders off, eventually being discovered by a kind florist named Juan (voiced by Juanes) and his mischievous dog Paco (voiced by Jerrod Carmichael). They take Ferdinand to Juan’s daughter, Nina (voiced by Lily Day), who instantly bonds with him over their shared love for flowers. As Ferdinand grows under Nina’s care, now voiced by John Cena, he becomes a massive yet gentle bull, while Paco reluctantly accepts him as a brother.
As the annual flower festival approaches, Juan and Nina prepare to attend, but Ferdinand’s size prevents him from joining. Ignoring this, Ferdinand sneaks into the festival, causing panic among the townsfolk when he inadvertently stings himself and cries out in terror. This leads to him being captured and returned to Casa Del Toro, where he meets the ramshackle bull Lupe (voiced by Kate McKinnon). She introduces him to the now-adult bulls he grew up with, including Valiente, who is still a bully. Ferdinand also encounters new friends, such as three quirky hedgehogs—Una (voiced by Gina Rodriguez), Dos (voiced by Daveed Diggs), and Cuatro (voiced by Gabriel Iglesias), as well as snooty German horses who belittle the bulls.
The plot thickens when the ranch hosts the arrogant bullfighter El Primero (voiced by Miguel Ángel Silvestre), who is there to choose the fiercest bull for his final showdown. Ferdinand, however, refuses to engage in the fight despite the pressure from Valiente, who asserts that the bulls who don’t fight are destined for the slaughterhouse.
As Ferdinand finds himself in an unexpected position of leadership, he helps the other bulls uncover their strength and potential. Through a series of events including a care-free dance-off with his friends, Ferdinand earns their respect. However, Valiente is relentlessly antagonistic, and during a confrontation, Ferdinand inadvertently breaks Valiente’s horn.
Impressed with Ferdinand’s resilience, El Primero selects him for combat. Yet, Ferdinand yearns to return to the safety of Nina and enlists Lupe’s help to escape, understanding the grim fate that awaits bulls at the ranch. With their newfound camaraderie, they aim to rescue Guapo and Valiente from slaughter.
In a daring escapade, the animals seize the rancher’s truck and dash into town. They encounter the relentless ranch hands, forcing their way towards freedom in an electrifying chase that leads to a train yard. Tragically, Ferdinand is captured, and news spirals across Spain about his fate.
The showdown arrives, and as Ferdinand confronts El Primero, the stakes escalate. Fueled by survival instincts, Ferdinand pushes back against the matador, leading to an emotional moment where he turns away from violence at the sight of a flower, reminiscent of his cherished time with Nina. The audience, stirred by Ferdinand’s spirit, implores El Primero to spare the bull’s life. Just as Nina and Juan arrive, El Primero capitulates, leaving with his pride intact while Ferdinand embraces Nina.
Ultimately, Ferdinand and his companions are returned to the safety of the farm where love and friendship flourish. Together, they relish the peace of their flower-filled pasture, embracing the serenity that comes with a setting sun.
Ferdinand Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Calves at Casa Del Toro” to “A New Beginning”. 11 events name a place, across 3 locations.
- 1
Calves at Casa Del Toro
The story begins in the Casa Del Toro ranch in Spain, where three young calves are anxiously waiting to see which older bull will be chosen to go up against a matador. Among them is the gentle Ferdinand, who spends his time nurturing a delicate rose he has planted in the pasture, showcasing his sensitivity amid the competitive environment.
Where:Casa Del Toro, Spain
- 2
Ferdinand's Father Departs
The calves witness their fathers engage in a fierce display of dominance, culminating in Ferdinand's father being selected for the matador fight. This farewell leaves Ferdinand heartbroken, as he senses the ominous fate that awaits him in the arena.
Where:Casa Del Toro, Spain
- 3
Valiente's Jealousy
In an act driven by jealousy, Valiente crushes Ferdinand's cherished flower, a symbol of Ferdinand's gentle spirit. This confrontation marks the beginning of a rivalry between Ferdinand and Valiente, highlighting the theme of bullying among the calves.
Where:Casa Del Toro, Spain
- 4
Ferdinand's Escape
Devastated by the loss of his father and the environment around him, Ferdinand escapes from the ranch to find solace. His journey leads him into the world outside the confines of Casa Del Toro, searching for a place where he can truly belong.
- 5
A New Family
Ferdinand is discovered by a kind florist named Juan and his dog Paco. They take him in and introduce him to Juan's daughter, Nina, with whom he immediately forms a bond over their mutual appreciation for flowers, ultimately providing Ferdinand with a sense of comfort and safety.
Where:Juan's home
- 6
Growing Up
Under Nina’s care, Ferdinand blossoms into a large but gentle bull. His time with Nina and their bond flourishes as he learns to navigate the world, even as he and Paco deal with their contrasting feelings towards Ferdinand's size and nature.
Where:Juan's home
- 7
The Flower Festival
As the annual flower festival approaches, Nina and Juan prepare to attend, but Ferdinand struggles with his size, which prevents him from participating. Ignoring the constraints, Ferdinand sneaks into the festival only to trigger chaos among the townsfolk, illustrating his clumsiness yet endearing spirit.
- 8
Capture and Return
Ferdinand is ultimately captured and taken back to Casa Del Toro, where he reunites with former companions, including the bull Valiente, who has not changed. It is here that Ferdinand meets new allies, like the quirky hedgehogs who help him cope with the challenging dynamics at the ranch.
Where:Casa Del Toro, Spain
- 9
El Primero Arrives
The famous bullfighter El Primero visits the ranch, aiming to choose the fiercest bull for his final performance. This escalates the tension, as Ferdinand is pressured by Valiente to conform to the expectations of aggression inherent in being a bull.
Where:Casa Del Toro, Spain
- 10
Leadership Emerges
Ferdinand unexpectedly finds himself stepping into a leadership role among the other bulls. Through empowering them and showcasing their potential, he fosters a sense of unity and resilience in the face of their imminent fate.
Where:Casa Del Toro, Spain
Show the other 5 events of Ferdinand Hide the last 5 events
- 11
A Confrontation
In a tense confrontation, Ferdinand accidentally breaks Valiente's horn during a struggle, further escalating their rivalry. This incident culminates in Ferdinand garnering admiration from fellow bulls, marking a significant shift in his standing at the ranch.
Where:Casa Del Toro, Spain
- 12
Desperate Escape
Ferdinand, now chosen by El Primero for combat, plots a daring escape with the help of Lupe. Understanding the bleak reality of being a fighter, Ferdinand's determination to reunite with Nina fuels their effort to rescue Guapo and Valiente from their grim fate.
Where:Casa Del Toro, Spain
- 13
The Great Chase
In a high-stakes escape, Ferdinand and his friends commandeer a truck, forcing their way past the ranch hands amidst an electrifying chase. This thrilling pursuit conveys their collective courage as they strive for freedom.
- 14
Showdown with El Primero
At the climactic showdown, Ferdinand confronts El Primero, where he is faced with his survival instincts. In a pivotal moment, he instinctively turns away from violence when he sees a flower, evoking memories of his peaceful life with Nina and rallying the crowd's support.
- 15
A New Beginning
After the intense showdown, Ferdinand is reunited with Nina and Juan, marking a new chapter in his life. Ferdinand and his companions return to a safe and peaceful farm, where love and friendship thrive amidst their flower-filled pasture, symbolizing hope and happiness.
Where:Farm, Spain
Who Are the Main Characters in Ferdinand?
4 characters, among them Ferdinand, Valiente and Paco: who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
- F
Ferdinand
Played by Colin H. Murphy
Ferdinand is a gentle bull who prefers the beauty of flowers to the brutality expected of bulls. He is portrayed as kind-hearted and strong in character, often finding himself in conflict with societal norms. Ferdinand evolves from a timid calf into a strong leader, demonstrating resilience and compassion.
- 🐂 Bull
- 🌸 Gentle
- 🌱 Flower-lover
-
Valiente
Played by Jack Gore
Valiente is a bully among the calves, embodying the pressure to conform to the aggressive behavior expected of bulls. He struggles with jealousy and insecurity, particularly concerning Ferdinand. Despite his antagonistic nature, he experiences growth throughout the movie.
- 🐂 Bully
- 🔥 Aggressive
- 😠 Jealous
-
Paco
Played by Jerrod Carmichael
Paco is a mischievous dog and Ferdinand's loyal friend. Initially reluctant to accept Ferdinand, he eventually becomes supportive and helps him navigate the challenges they face. Paco’s playful nature adds humor and warmth to the story.
- 🐶 Dog
- 🎉 Loyal
- 🐾 Mischievous
-
Lupe
Played by Kate McKinnon
Lupe is a ramshackle bull who becomes a loyal ally to Ferdinand. She brings a sense of humor and camaraderie to the group, helping Ferdinand to navigate his return to the ranch. Lupe represents resilience and support.
- 🐂 Supportive
- 🎭 Humorous
- 💪 Resilient
Where and When Is Ferdinand Set?
Ferdinand is set in Spain and Casa Del Toro. Here is why the place matters to the story.
When
The movie is set in contemporary times, capturing the modern attitudes towards bullfighting and animal rights. It subtly reflects the historic tradition of bullfighting while advocating for a change in perspective regarding the treatment of animals.
Where
Spain, Casa Del Toro
The story takes place in Spain, primarily at Casa Del Toro, a bull-training ranch. This ranch is known for preparing young bulls for matador fights, showcasing the tensions between nature and learned aggression. It serves as the backdrop for Ferdinand's growth and eventual rebellion against the culture of violence surrounding him.
- 🇪🇸 Spain
- 🐂 Ranch
What Are the Themes of Ferdinand?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Gentleness, Friendship and Non-violence.
-
01
Gentleness
Gentleness is the core theme of Ferdinand, who embodies compassion and love for nature. His fondness for flowers contrasts sharply with the aggression expected of a bull, showcasing the message that strength can coexist with kindness. The story encourages viewers to embrace their true selves and to defy societal expectations.
-
02
Friendship
Friendship is celebrated throughout Ferdinand's journey, emphasizing the bonds he forms with other characters. The camaraderie among Ferdinand, his new friends, and Nina highlights the importance of genuine connections. These relationships provide him with strength and support as he navigates challenges.
-
03
Non-violence
The theme of non-violence resonates deeply as Ferdinand rejects the expectations of fighting and aggression. His journey reflects a larger message against violence, illustrating the power of choosing peace over conflict. This theme is contrasted against the backdrop of bullfighting and serves as a powerful statement on animal rights.
What Kind of Film Is Ferdinand?
Light in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Light
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Happy
A heartwarming and uplifting animated adventure that champions kindness over aggression, with a gentle yet determined bull leading a journey of self-discovery amidst playful antics and supportive friendships.
- uplifting
- heartwarming
- gentle
- playful
- hopeful
- whimsical
- nonviolence
- self-acceptance
- friendship
- escape
Content notes: animal endangerment, death of parent, bullying.
Quiz
How well do you remember Ferdinand? Test yourself on the story.
Where to Watch Ferdinand
Stream it on HBO Max, or rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. US availability and prices from JustWatch.
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