Sony Pictures Animation is preparing to unleash an exciting new animated adventure that brings together some of the most talented creators in the industry. GOAT, set to hit theaters exclusively on February 13, arrives with an impressive pedigree from the studio that produced Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse and the creative minds behind Kpop Demon Hunters.
The film marks a significant milestone for two Emmy-nominated artists stepping into new territory. Director Tyree Dillihay and costume designer Dominique Dawson are bringing their considerable expertise to this action-comedy that reimagines sports competition in an all-animal world.
A director with animated expertise
Dillihay spent eight years directing Fox’s beloved animated sitcom Bob’s Burgers, where he helmed 32 episodes and earned two consecutive Primetime Emmy nominations. His extensive animation background includes work on Netflix’s Da Jammies, Fox’s Allen Gregory and MTV’s Good Vibes. The breadth of his experience across different animated series has prepared him perfectly for tackling this ambitious sports story.
Co-director Adam Rosette joins Dillihay in bringing the vision to life, while the screenplay comes from Aaron Buchsbaum and Teddy Riley. The story draws inspiration from Chris Tougas’s book Funky Dunks, adapting its themes for a cinematic experience.
Costume design meets animation
Dawson brings an impressive resume to her first animated feature. With more than 160 television episodes under her belt, she has designed costumes for productions including American Koko, Love That Girl, Family Time and In the Cut. Her film credits span The Last Black Man in San Francisco, LA’s Finest, Colin in Black and White, DMZ and Donald Glover’s Emmy-nominated series Swarm.
The costume designer has collaborated with major filmmakers including Ava DuVernay, Jordan Peele, Yara Shahidi and Diarra Kilpatrick. She recently completed costume design on DuVernay’s feature Origin and Peele’s HIM before diving into the animated realm with GOAT.
An underdog story with universal appeal
The film centers on Will, a small goat harboring enormous dreams of athletic glory. When he receives an unexpected opportunity to join the professional ranks of roarball, a high-intensity co-ed full-contact sport, his journey begins. The fictional sport attracts the fastest and fiercest animals in the world, making Will’s size a significant disadvantage.
His new teammates initially resist having a diminutive goat on their roster. The skepticism and doubt fuel Will’s determination to revolutionize the sport and demonstrate that physical size doesn’t determine athletic ability or competitive spirit. The film’s tagline captures this perfectly: smalls can ball.
Star-studded voice cast
The production assembled an remarkable ensemble of voice talent. Caleb McLaughlin leads the cast alongside Gabrielle Union, with NBA superstar Stephen Curry lending his voice and serving as producer with Erick Peyton. Bridgerton’s Nicola Coughlan joins comedy veterans Nick Kroll, David Harbour and Patton Oswalt.
The supporting cast includes Jenifer Lewis, Aaron Pierre, Andrew Santino, Bobby Lee, Eduardo Franco and Sherry Cola. Musical artists Jelly Roll and Jennifer Hudson round out the impressive lineup, bringing additional star power to the project.
Production powerhouse
Producers Michelle Raimo Kouyate, Rodney Rothman and Adam Rosenberg shepherd the project, with Curry’s involvement extending beyond his voice work. Executive producers Rick Mischel and Fonda Snyder provide additional leadership to ensure the film meets Sony Pictures Animation’s high standards.
The combination of Emmy-nominated talent, an inspiring underdog narrative and Sony’s proven animation expertise positions GOAT as a must-see family film. The exclusive theatrical release allows audiences to experience the vibrant animated world and thrilling roarball action on the big screen.
As February 13 approaches, anticipation builds for this original story that promises to deliver both heart and humor while celebrating perseverance and challenging expectations about what makes a champion.
Source: GOAT Movie publicity materials
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