Sony Pictures Animation is aiming for another slam dunk with its latest original feature: GOAT. Slated for release on February 13, 2026, just ahead of NBA All-Star Weekend, the animated action-comedy introduces a fast-paced animal world, a new fictional sport called “roarball,” and a small goat with sky-high dreams. Produced by NBA superstar Stephen Curry and featuring a star-studded voice cast, GOAT is set to become Sony’s next animated crowd-pleaser following the success of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.
An Underdog Story in an Over-the-Top World
At the heart of GOAT is Will, voiced by Stranger Things star Caleb McLaughlin. Will is an undersized, underestimated goat who dreams of going pro in the most dangerous and competitive sport in the animal kingdom: roarball. The game—an intense, co-ed, full-contact hybrid inspired by basketball—is played on ever-shifting courts, demanding the speed of a cheetah and the grit of a rhino. It’s no place for a goat… or so everyone thinks.
Will’s journey begins when he receives a once-in-a-lifetime invitation to join a top-tier roarball team. Though his teammates scoff at the idea of a goat on the roster, Will is determined to prove them wrong, living out the film’s rallying cry: “You’re never too small to dream big.”
A-List Voices and NBA Star Power
GOAT isn’t just about animals playing sports—it’s a celebration of perseverance, diversity, and breaking boundaries. And Sony isn’t holding back when it comes to casting.
In addition to McLaughlin, the voice cast includes Gabrielle Union, Nicola Coughlan, Nick Kroll, David Harbour, Jenifer Lewis, Patton Oswalt, Aaron Pierre, Jennifer Hudson, Jelly Roll, and many more. Even Stephen Curry himself lends his voice to Lenny, a towering giraffe and athletic mentor figure.
Curry, who co-produces through Unanimous Media alongside Erick Peyton, brings authenticity and inspiration to the project. Drawing from his real-life journey as an undersized player who defied the odds in the NBA, GOAT echoes themes of self-belief, hard work, and resilience.
The film is directed by Tyree Dillihay (Bob’s Burgers, Good Times animated series), co-directed by Adam Rosette, and written by Aaron Buchsbaum and Teddy Riley. Behind the scenes, producers Michelle Raimo Kouyate, Adam Rosenberg, and Rodney Rothman (known for Spider-Verse) round out an impressive creative team.
Roarball: The Sport That Could Capture a Generation
One of the most exciting aspects of GOAT is its original sport: roarball. Though fictional, the game is visually and conceptually designed to evoke the same thrill as basketball, mixed with the danger and unpredictability of extreme sports. Think Space Jam meets Mad Max—on a morphing court, with animals.
The teaser trailer, set to Skee-Lo’s “I Wish,” shows glimpses of roarball in action, blending stylized animation with high-energy sequences. The film’s action-comedy tone, combined with heartfelt storytelling, positions it to connect with both young audiences and nostalgic adults who grew up on underdog sports stories.
A Promising Start to a New Animated Franchise?
With an early teaser already generating buzz and the release strategically timed with NBA All-Star Weekend, GOAT may be poised for a major box office debut. Sony Pictures Animation, riding high on the success of Spider-Verse, is clearly aiming to build another original franchise rooted in strong characters and worldbuilding.
Whether you’re an animation fan, a sports lover, or someone who just appreciates a classic “small guy wins big” story, GOAT promises to deliver laughs, thrills, and heart. After all, as Will shows us, “smalls can ball.”
Stay tuned for more updates on GOAT as Sony ramps up its marketing campaign in the lead-up to its February 2026 release.
