Sony Pictures Animation continues its recent run of blockbuster hits with GOAT, an imaginative and visually stunning animated feature that blends sports, comedy, and heartfelt underdog drama. Following the global success of Spider-Verse movies and KPop: Demon Hunters, the studio once again pushes the boundaries of modern animation with a story centered on a goat who dreams of joining the elite world of Roarball.
The film is produced by four-time NBA champion Stephen Curry, among others, making the basketball-inspired connection clear—though the cast is made entirely of animals rather than hoop superstars, in a style reminiscent of Space Jam. With the record-breaking success of Zootopia 2 still fresh in audiences’ minds, GOAT arrives at a perfect moment for another creature-led phenomenon.
Plot Overview: A Goat with a Dream
Will Harris (voiced by Caleb McLaughlin) has harbored big ambitions since infancy, but lives in an animal world divided into “bigs” and “smalls.” In this society, the sport of Roarball makes stars out of leopards, polar bears, giraffes, komodo dragons, rhinos, and more—while smaller animals struggle for acceptance.
Despite his talent and his mother’s encouragement to follow his heart, Will’s dream remains out of reach. A decade later, the story reveals that Will has the skill to compete, but not the opportunity. When the Vineland Thorns’ superstar Jett Fillmore (voiced by Gabrielle Union) refuses to take him seriously, Will challenges her in a one-on-one audition.
Jett, the queen bee of the league, has achieved every feat except the elusive CLAW (the championship ring), and she looks down on the thought of playing with an “inferior little goat.” Yet during a chaotic Roarball showcase filled with outlandish feats and otherworldly athleticism, Will proves he can do anything she can—and better.
The Team: A Roster of Wild Characters
Will earns an unlikely spot on the Vineland Thorns, where he must prove himself within a team that includes:
- Jett Fillmore (Gabrielle Union) – the arrogant superstar
- Modo Olachenko (Nick Kroll) – an eccentric Komodo dragon
- Archie Everheart (David Harbour) – a rhino who is also a protective dad
- Mane Attraction (Aaron Pierre) – the team’s MVP
- Olivia Burke (Nicola Coughlan) – a high-strung ostrich
- Lenny (Stephen Curry) – a tall, rapping giraffe
- Coach Cooper (Patton Oswalt) – the largely ignored coach
- Flo Emerson (Jenifer Lewis) – the duplicitous team owner
Roarball: A High-Impact Sport Like No Other
Roarball is a fictional league built for the planet’s most powerful animals. The sport is a savage contact game played using two paws, four paws, claws, hooves, tails, tongues, and every other body part imaginable. Courts are filled with natural hazards like vines, ice sheets, and other obstacles designed to challenge even the strongest competitors.
The world is also saturated with modern sports culture: flashy sneakers, hip-hop music, bling, and larger-than-life personalities.
Animation & Direction: A Visual Breakthrough
Directed by Tyree Dillihay with co-director Adam Rosette, GOAT features a visual style that matches its swagger and energy. The film incorporates CGI, 2D animation, and anime influences—especially during the big-game sequences, which are genuinely thrilling and immersive.
The script, written by Aaron Buchsbaum and Teddy Riley (story by Nicolas Curcio and Peter Chiarelli), is full of wit and heart. It also maintains authenticity for basketball fans, who will recognize the territory even within an all-animal universe.
Voice Cast & Cameos
The voice cast is led by Caleb McLaughlin, with standout performances across the board. The film also features notable cameos from Jennifer Hudson and Jelly Roll, alongside supporting voices including:
Ayesha Curry, Andrew Santino, Bobby Lee, Sherry Cola, Eduardo Franco
Production & Release Details
- Title: GOAT
- Distributor: Sony Pictures
- Release Date: February 13, 2026
- Director: Tyree Dillihay
- Co-Director: Adam Rosette
- Screenwriters: Aaron Buchsbaum, Teddy Riley
- Story By: Nicolas Curcio, Peter Chiarelli
- Producers: Stephen Curry, Michelle Raimo Kouyate, Erick Peyton, Adam Rosenberg, Rodney Rothman
- Rating: PG
- Running Time: 1 hr 40 mins