Flashspoter - With its new film, GOAT, Sony Pictures Animation has made a big splash again in the worldwide animation market. This is an original action-comedy movie that will be premiered on February 13, 2026, the day of NBA All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles. An exclusive presentation at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival introduced a new line-up of voice actors as well as showing some footage of the film's early work, confirming GOAT's position as one of the most ambitious animation projects on Sony Pictures Animation's release calendar.
Tyree Dillihay is the main director of the film while Adam Rosette is the co-director. Dillihay is better known for his work as a director of several episodes of the animated series Good Times and Bob's Burgers, whereas Rosette played a major role in bringing the film's visual and comedy aspects to life. Michelle Raimo Kouyate, Stephen Curry, Erick Peyton, Adam Rosenberg, and Rodney Rothman sit in the ranks of producers. The project is also supported by a creative team that includes NBA technical consultants, live-action costume designers, as well as illustrators and creators of fictional sports team identities.
GOAT is set in a completely anthropomorphic animal world, where a fictional sport called roarball is central to cultural life. Roarball is designed as an intense and full of physical contact sport, combining high speeds, dynamic arenas, as well as Game rules that allow two-and four-legged movements. Each arena has a biome theme that can change during the game-from a cracked volcanic field to an ice arena that can break. This approach makes room for unique set-piece designs and highlights the characteristics of animal athletes.
Will Harris, the main character of the film, is a young goat who dream of joining a professional league. He practices every day in the open spaces of Vineland, the city neighborhood where he is raised. Will eventually gets the chance to join the Vineland Thorns professional team, although his presence is not immediately accepted by the other players who are used to bigger and stronger athletes. This story is all about the themes of resolution, self-awareness, and newness in sports.
The character of Will is Caleba McLaughlin's, a change of character which means that more is said about the main character's drive and courage. Thorns doesn't stop to be a feisty one with a pack of characters supporting her: Jett Fillmore, a panther and the team's star; Archie Everhardt, a big rhino who goes on to be the main power; Modo Olachenko, a komodo dragon with unique abilities; Olivia Burke, an ostrich who drags the match to the wing; and Lenny Williamson, a tall giraffe, the voice of which is by Stephen Curry.
Besides these, there are many other big names like Gabrielle Union, Nick Kroll, Nicola Coughlan, David Harbour, Jenifer Lewis, Patton Oswalt, Jennifer Hudson, Aaron Pierre, Andrew Santino, Bobby Lee, Sherry Cola, Jelly Roll, and Eduardo Franco, who are the main voices in the film. The mix of Hollywood actors, comedians, and music industry people is the most telling thing about the extent of this film production.
The presentation material not only brings in the Thorns team but also depicts the opposing characters, among them, Mane Attraction, a league champion horse and the direct rival of Will. This character is described as a power player with a dominant aggressive playstyle and, as a result, turning into one of the storyline's conflicts.
At Annecy, a video was shown that illustrated the initial development of Will's narrative, his field training, interactions with other characters, and the moment the owner of the Thorns noticed him. The harmonizing of the bright colors, the expressive character designs, and game moves done by professionals to make the sport more realistic, are all typical of the Sony Pictures Animation style and are very prominent in the whole presentation.
By means of contemporary visuals, a powerful voice cast, and collaborations with the NBA, GOAT is expected to be one of Sony Pictures Animation's main projects in 2026. The Film is focused on production quality and the cinematic experience, and it does not indulge in rumors or speculative elements beyond what has been confirmed.
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